RUTHIE THREW HERSELF ACROSS my bed as I grabbed a photo album and wiped off the dust that blanketed the tops of the pages.
"I know it's in here somewhere," I said, sinking down next to her and turning the pages. "I used to look through this album all the time as a kid. Oh, here it is."
I pointed to a group of people. A bright blue banner stretched across a backyard patio, indicating that it was Dad's thirtieth birthday party. While I didn't recognize the place, I did recognize the people. And one person in particular grabbed my interest and confirmed my suspicions. Dang it. Sometimes it sucked to be right. I sighed. Time to introduce Ruthie to the whole family, I thought. But I'll leave that woman for last.
"This is Mom." I pointed to the people as I said their names. "And Dad." They
