My parents split up shortly after my 15th birthday. I was the youngest of 4, and the last fledgling in the nest, at the end of a long marriage that began in high school. Y'all know that story, I'm sure. As a result, my mom always called me her baby boy, or just baby boy.

My dad was an abusive, drunken prick. Literally ruled the house with an iron fist, and he was much worse when he was drunk.