Buddy Jr. was now the second most important thing in my life. It
Was just the two of us now. Like any child growing up, he'd come to
Me and ask me all kinds of questions, and I'd always made a point
Of being truthful with him. Things like, "Daddy, is Mama ever coming
Back?" I'd sit him on my knee and say, "No, son, she ain't never
Coming back." And, "Daddy, is Santa Claus real?" I'd look him in
The eye and say, "Of course not. He's as real as the Tooth Fairy and
The Easter Bunny." We were just like best friends. But I still can't
Ever forget the first time he came to me with a tear in his eye...