“I love you” was one phrase Mark hadn’t heard them say. But they were reticent about putting every emotion into words. His mom and dad encouraged all of the children and were generous with hugs and kisses. “You’re such a good kid,” Hanley said, smiling. He had just turned ten when one day Hanley invited him into his bedroom. Mark started out visiting after school or on Saturdays, maybe once or twice a week. If no response came, you knew to return another time. When Hanley’s voice boomed down, “Yeah?” you could head up. To visit Father Jim, you first had to ask the housekeeper.
