Wherever he laid his hat was home…

Al Jr. was a most beautiful and captivating boy. He was the leader, the adventurer and so very smart. And boy, could he act!

Unfortunately, the cards were stacked against him but he never lost that magnetic sway. Al Jr. was a strong presence in my childhood and a powerful influence on how I chose to face life.

May he rest in the wild, may his soul roam the rivers, splashing with joy, free of these earthly bonds.

And may he feel our love, as the sun on his face, as he returns to the vigor of his youth.

I still hear his whistle, calling us out for some evening merriment.