“Guilt: the gift that keeps on giving.”

Erma Bombeck, American humorist and author

“I don’t know why he indulged that kid,” said Bob. “The trouble he caused.”

“Guilt makes you do crazy things,” replied Joe. “It messes with your head.”

“Guilt?” Bob stared at his friend. “Guilt over what?”

Bob and Joe were talking about a farm family they knew and the first-born son who brought his family nothing but grief. Despite the boy’s ongoing run-ins with the police and angry encounters with the neighbours, the young man’s father always intervened, often to the detriment of his relationship with friends, especially with his other children.

“It was before you moved into t...

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