Elizabeth, or Liz as she was known, had led something of a quiet, charmed life. Now, at age 26, she looked back and was pleased to have had parents that did whatever they could for her. Truth be told, they doted on her. Her mom worked at the local high school and her father worked as a carpenter. Liz had enjoyed good relations with both of her parents, but it was her father that always made her feel safe and loved. They had a special relationship.

As a child and even until Liz was in her early teens, she and her daddy had the same ritual each day. He'd return...