I reckon this story, which is doing the rounds on the Internet, is worth retelling as a timely warning:
A few years after I was born, my Dad met a stranger who was new to our small Texas town.
From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around from then on.
As I grew up, I never questioned his place in my family. In my young mind, he had a special niche.
My parents were complementary instructors: Mom taught me good from evil, and Dad taught me to obey.
But the...