The only problem was that Earl was never sure what happiness really was. He found a lot to laugh about in comic books he'd read to his small boys. If laughter was happiness, then he was probably very happy.

And while he spent his childhood being last in line behind his older brothers, Earl didn't mind at all being last behind his kids. He did without a lot to make sure they wouldn't have to. And while their mother wasn't looking, he even helped them finish up their vegetables and peas.