Hue - pronounced WAY
Hui - pronounced Hughy
Hua - pronounced Huwa
Dati - IndoDutch term for Papa
Baki - IndoDutch term for Brother
Onkla - IndoDutch term for Uncle
Chapter 1 - PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER!
Hue Best crawled out of his SUV and tiredly walked up the steps to their home, he had purchased a three-bedroom home, just down the street from where Caleb resided. It was just Hue and his son, Bic, living there. Hue had rescued Bic from a suicide attempt in Malaysia and subsequently adopted the boy as his son. Bic was a small young man, at 17, he stood but 4' 11" and weighed only 120 pounds. He had studied hard, making his Dati beam with pride. Bic had caught up to his age level in school and would be graduating from Fairfield High School in a matter of weeks. He had already been accepted at his Dad's alma mater, Sacramento State University and was anxiously watching for his Freshman Letter from that school.
Hue had been taking local assignments the last several years, as he felt Bic needed him to be around as he overcame the abuse and horror of his childhood in Malaysia. Hue had just finished a project in Stockton, rehabilitating an aging paper mill. He was a Mechanical Engineer, like his Father and had passed the Professional Engineer in Training (EIT) examination several years earlier. He had recently taken the PE exam and was hoping the results would be in the mail soon.
As he entered the house, Bic was standing there, holding a large envelope in his hands and wearing a huge smile on his face. Hue laughed at his son and asked, "You got your Freshman Letter, huh?"
Bic said, "Not yet, Dati, this one is for you!"
Hue spotted the return address on the envelope, "California Board of Professional Registration"! Bic handed him the envelope and stood beside the man whom he loved and honored beyond all others, as Hue opened the envelope. Inside was a "PROFESSIONAL MECHANICAL ENGINEERING LICENSE" with the name Hue Daniel Best, PE on it! Bic hugged his Dati and whispered, "I already called Grandpapa, he is on his way over now!"
Hue looked down at his diminutive son, "But you didn't know if I had passed."
Bic laughed, "Dati, they wouldn't dare fail you!"
Just then, the front door flew open and Caleb rushed in, congratulating his son. Caleb's oldest son, Danny was on his heels, both men hugged Hue and wanted to see his "new license". Next to arrive were Hue's other brothers, 'Tal and Jason and their sons Hui and Hua. Their sons, still referred to as "the little boys" were now 13 and 11 years old and completely "Americanized! They had been rescued following a hurricane in Tonga that had killed their parents and were adopted by 'Tal and Jason. Like their cousin, Bic, the two boys were doing extremely well in school and both had skipped a grade.
The whole Family was part of Best & Sons, Engineering Company. Danny had retired as a Rear Admiral from the US Navy and became Vice President of Best & Sons, 'Tal was a CPA and had been appointed Manager of Accounting, while his partner was the Business Manager. Hue had been Engineering Manager since his graduation from the University and had been managing projects on his own ever since that time.
As the excitement wound down, Caleb announced to his Family, "I have a project here." He held up a bundle of papers, "It is the construction of a new gold mine and processing plant in Peru."
Danny looked at his Father and Caleb shook his head, "Not now, Danny!" He suggested they all go out to dinner in celebration, and they could discuss the new project at that time.
They decided to drive up to Sacramento and go to Old Town for prime rib. That was one of Hue's favorite places, so he had no objection and it was fine with everyone else. They all piled into two of the SUVs and headed to Sacramento. They had all purchased new Ford SUVs that spring and they all had Best & Sons Engineering on the sides. The little boys, Hui and Hua, were regular eating machines, they even out-ate the family carnivore, Hue!
As the meal ended and coffee was served to those who wished it, Caleb pulled out a sheaf of papers and laid them on the table. It was a project proposal for the company Oro de Peru for a new gold mine and processing plant high in the Andes, along the Rio Blanco. Their part of the project would be the ore handling and processing facilities.
Hue looked at his brother, Danny, and he knew immediately that something was wrong, tears were collecting in Danny's eyes. Hue stood, saying that he needed to go to the Men's Room. He got up and shortly, Danny followed him. Hue was waiting for Danny just outside the Men's Rest Room. Hue linked his arm in his brother's and they walked down the hallway, away from the dining room. When they were completely out of sight, Hue turned to Danny and said, "Bati, tell me, what is wrong?"
Danny began to cry in earnest, "Bati, Hue, Dati is ill, his heart. He won't be going to Peru, he will ask you to manage the job."
Hue lost his composure and clung to his older brother, each drawing strength from the other. Hue asked, "Is he goinggggggg, going to die?" Hue was breathing hard, trying to keep from openly sobbing. A thousand thoughts of the past raced through Hue's mind, to lose Dati would be unthinkable!
Danny placed his arms on Hue's shoulders and looked the younger man straight in the face, "No, if he behaves himself and does not go to high-altitude places like the Andes."
Hue then said, "Our Batis, 'Tel and Jason must be told, and our boys, they must also be told. We must not hide this from them!"
Hue looked Danny in the eyes, "Bati, you must go to Peru with me. I will talk with Bic, he will care for Dati for us and Jason and 'Tal will be here, also." The brothers agreed and they went to wash the traces of tears from their faces before returning to the others.
As they were leaving the restaurant, 'Tal grabbed Hue's arm and pulled him aside, "Bati, what is wrong, tell me."
Hue replied, "Come to my house when we get back home."
The drive back to Fairfield seemed to go on forever. Thoughts and fears swirled around in Hue's mind and he wondered how he would be able to tell 'Tal and Jason what was happening. They split up when they got back to town, Danny taking Caleb to their home, 'Tal and Jason heading for theirs and Hue going to his home.
Hue and Bic were walking up their front sidewalk to the door, Jason and 'Tal came screeching around the corner in their SUV and parked in Hue's driveway. Hue invited them all in, as soon as the front door was closed, 'Tal grabbed Hue's arm and said, "Bati........"
Hue interrupted him by saying, "Let us send the boys to watch television as we talk..."
Bic said, "No, Dati, we, also, must know what is going on!"
'Tal nodded his head, "Yes, Bati, they have that need, also."
Hue sighed and replied, "Yes, they do, everyone, let us sit at the table and I will tell you what I know." Hue related what Danny had told him and they discussed the situation.
Bic spoke up, "Dati, Onklas, it would hurt Grandpapa if we drop everything and tend him. He would end up hating us all and himself too. We must carry on and do what we must do."
Hue hugged his son, thinking, "Out of the mouths of children....."
After the children had gone off to school the next day, Jason and 'Tal came over to Hue's house and they called Danny on his cell phone and asked him over, too. They all met and discussed what Danny had told Hue. Danny added what little more he knew. They decided that they needed to talk with Caleb, Danny had Caleb's car, so they knew their Father was at home. They all drove over to Caleb's and Danny's house, Caleb saw them coming and knew his secret was out. When they walked in, Caleb was seated in the living room, waiting for them.
He said, "Danny told you." He looked at Danny and continued, "Maybe it is better this way, I can explain to all of you at once. I am 72 years old and still reasonably healthy, but my heart won't take high altitudes like at Rio Blanco. So you, Hue, will need to be the Mechanical Engineer on this job." He turned to his other sons and said, "Hue will need each of you to get the job done. I will leave it to him to tell you what he needs."
All three men sat hugging their father, each thinking what this man was to them! Hue spoke up, "I will ask Jamil and Dail if they will watch the boys, Bic all the time and Hui and Hua when you or Jason must join me. Baki," He turned to Danny, "I will need you at my side for this, please, will you come with me?"
Danny replied quietly, "Yes, Baki, I will come."
They talked about the job for several hours and finally, Hue went to Caleb's side and said, "Dati, we can do this job. You have taught us well. Let us sign the contract and get started."
They all signed it and sent it off on the fax. They notified the US State Department and called each of their crew members, letting them know what was happening. Danny insisted that Hue's name be on the line marked Project Manager, he was going along only as the Company Representative.
None of the crew had any problems working for Hue, they had all known him and respected him since he had been a small, rescued boy. Any one of them would be proud to call him their own son, they knew he would work right alongside them and they all had a profound respect for his knowledge and ethics. There would be no shame attached to working for Hue Daniel Best!
When Oro de Peru accepted their contract, $4,250,000 consulting fee and 28% on Time and Materials, Hue began to map out the project and get their tools and equipment sent to the job site. It would have to be shipped to Callao, then go by train to the lower reaches of the Rio Blanco. From there, it would go by truck convoy up through the narrow canyon of the Rio Blanco and finally arrive at the mine site about 16,500 feet above sea level. Even that was not the top of the canyon, another 3,500 feet above the mine - the famed Alto Plano!
Finally, the day of departure arrived.
Bic, though he liked Jamil and Dail very much, he loved his Dati, Hue! On one hand, he knew he must finish school and go on to Sac-State, but this was the first time he had faced separation of more than a few hours or days, from Hue. As hard as he tried, he could not hold back his tears on that last night with his Father! The two of them spent that night on the couch, Bic holding a death grip on Hue while dozing in Hue's lap. Both of them had tear-streaked faces the next morning. Bic was so small, he even contemplated stowing away in a tool chest, but the fear of his Dati's disappointment in him, kept him from seriously considering such action.
They flew out of San Francisco, with a short stop in Mexico City before proceeding to Lima, Peru. Their tools and equipment had been sent by ship and were already in the Port of Callao, waiting for them. Their arrival in Lima was unremarkable, the airport was shabby and run down and there was no assistance for baggage handling. The representative of Oro de Peru, Sr. Octavio Molinas was waiting for them with two busses, held together with hardly more than string and prayers! Both Hue and Danny were getting concerned, they knew the trip to the mine site would be a difficult one and, if the busses were any indication, it would be a perilous trip.
Sr. Molinas noticed their concern and laughed, "Oh no Senores, this is just government transportation, when we get off the train to drive up the canyon, we will have company transport. I assure you it will be much better."
They were booked into the Plaza Royal Hotel on Plaza de Armas in downtown Lima. It was an older hotel in the grand colonial style. They found the service was excellent and the food even better. It went a long way towards reassuring them that things would be better than their recent experience on government buses.
The next day, they were at the offices of Oro de Peru, their sea freight had been delivered to the company warehouse and the crew inventoried all three sea vans for any losses. Fortunately, there was nothing missing. That afternoon, they spent hours in conference with company officials, who were concerned at the apparent youth of the Project Engineer. Hue soon disabused them of any notions he was not capable. He presented his plan for the project in a concise and professional manner, leaving no doubt in anyone's mind who was in charge. Danny just sat back and watched his brother perform, the only time one of the officials attempted to defer to Sr. Admiral Best, Danny very pointedly, referred them to the Project Manager, Sr. Engineer Hue Best.
They were to have a day of rest to get acclimated to the heat and altitude, Lima was at about 4,000 elevation, and they would depart on the train the day after that. It was an all-day trip to the railhead at the Rio Blanco and then it would take them three days by truck to arrive at the mine site!
After a day of meetings, Hue was tired and hungry, his carnivore instincts led them to a small restaurant just off the Plaza de Armas, La Crem Rica. Their steaks were enormous, even Hue could not finish his. The crew all laughed, at last, the carnivore could not eat all his dinner! Hue's capacity for meat was legendary among the crew, he would not soon live this down.
Sr. Octavio Molinas was waiting for them in the hotel lobby the morning of departure. He would accompany them all the way to the mine site. As he sat with Hue while the crew members checked out of the hotel, Sr. Molinas said, "Sr. Best, let us be less formal between ourselves. I was educated at the University of California at San Jose, and I have lived for many years in your country. It would be well if we could be friends and call ourselves less formally."
Hue grinned, "I am just Hue, may I call you Octavio?"
The man looked pleased, "Just 'Tavio is fine Hue!" He continued, "I will be your liaison for the entire project, I hope we may be friends, also." Just then, the same rickety busses drove up and everyone groaned, praying it was NOT a foretaste of what was to come.
The buses took them to the Central Rail Station, where a more modern train stood at the passenger gate. They were all booked in First Class. As Hue walked the length of the train to get to their assigned car, he saw people being loaded into the second and third-class cars carrying live ducks and geese, one elderly woman was carrying a baby goat across her shoulders. Sacks of vegetables and purchases were being carried into the passenger cars. The noise and clatter was overwhelming, it reminded him of Market Day in the Indonesia of his childhood! When the last passenger, complete with live chickens tied over her shoulder, had climbed aboard, the train slowly pulled out of the station.
It seemed like the train stopped at every cluster of houses, it was dark by the time they reached the railhead on the banks of the Rio Blanco. They were put up in the Company Hostel for the night. It was so close to the roaring river, talking below the volume of a scream was nearly impossible.
At first light the next morning, 'Tavio was pounding on their door, advising them that a quick breakfast would be served before the trucks departed up the canyon. Hue was gratified to see a plentiful supply of food set out for breakfast, the mountain air had stimulated his carnivore instincts. After all, he had a reputation to maintain!
The truck convoy pulled up to the Hostel, they were all huge Dodge 4-wheel drive trucks and Ford Expedition 4-wheel drive SUVs for carrying passengers. As they departed, the climb began immediately, the vehicles were all in low range, 4-wheel drive groaning and grinding their way through the canyon. Some of the switchbacks were so tight, the trucks had to back up to make the turn. Hue wondered if he could see the taillights on their SUV as they went by them!
They stopped the first night at a small stone hostel. They all slept in the single room in the building. The next morning, an Indian woman was heating tortillas and spreading cooked, shredded meat on them for breakfast. Hue tried the coffee and found it so strong, he was afraid he would have the jitters for the rest of the day.
They got underway shortly for another day of grinding their way up the mountains. They had a small tank truck with them to keep all the fuel tanks topped off. The scenery was magnificent, but, by the end of the second day, Hue was sure he had the seat springs imprinted on his posterior.
The hostel that night was a repeat of the one from the first night, except it, was now much colder and there was a small charcoal fire heating the bunk room. The breakfast the next morning was, also a repeat, Hue had learned his lesson about the coffee, he ate two mangoes instead.
On the final day, the mountains began to change, becoming heavily volcanic. 'Tavio explained that there were several dormant volcanoes in the area, eruptions were uncommon, but they certainly did occur from time to time. When they finally reached their destination, they were pleasantly surprised to see a number of modern trailers being used as living quarters for them. They were even connected to running water and had toilets. Each trailer had a cluster of propane tanks that supplied fuel for cooking and heating. They all had had visions of stone hostels for the duration! 'Tavio told them to get settled in and there would be a conference held the next morning. He handed out keys with trailer numbers on them and told everyone the trailers were stocked with all necessary items, including food. There would be weekly supply trucks that would keep them supplied and special items could be ordered as needed.
Hue and Danny were assigned to the same trailer. When they entered, a young boy bowed to them and in broken English, told them he was their houseboy and that anything they needed, he would do for them. Hue had taken Spanish in high school, but the Spanish this boy spoke was not like any textbook Spanish he had learned. They later learned, the boy, Concho, belonged to a local Indian tribe and didn't speak any more Spanish than they did!
There was a meeting the next day, where they met the mine officials, who were running the bore down to the ore body. They found that all concrete would have to be mixed on-site and lumber for forms was stored in a warehouse on the level just above the living trailers. Most of the machinery was yet to be delivered, but there were four Caterpillar Diesel Generators waiting in the warehouse to be installed for power. Hue and Paul Meklin, the Chief Electrician, went through everything stored in the warehouse and decided that only one generator was needed right then. The crew knocked together some forms and they poured concrete that afternoon. By adding calcium chloride (HiEarly) to the mix, it would cure in just a few days. By the end of the week, they had lights and power to run construction equipment.
Chapter 2 - CONSTRUCTION BEGINS
The mining company had made arrangements with the local Indian tribe to supply labor, but problems were abundant at first, until a patois was established that both groups could understand. In this 'Tavio was a great help, it wasn't that the locals did not want to work, the problem was that they were hardly out of the stone age. Even simple tools were a novelty to them! They proved to be quick learners, however, and in a few short weeks, work progress improved.
They learned that Concho, their houseboy, was an orphan and that he was only 12 years old. He was eager to please "HIS AMERICANS". When Hue found out that he had no place to go at night, a bed was brought into Hue's room and the child was to sleep with them. More than once, Hue saw Danny staring at the boy, tears in his eyes. An idea began to form in his mind, he would speak with 'Tavio at the first opportunity!
By the end of two months, the miners needed more power as they worked their way down to the ore body, so Hue had the remainder of the generators installed and wired. They needed to get everything under roof before the winter snows came. The canyon road remained, mostly, snow-free, even in the winter but the ridge where the mine was located, was an area that would collect winter snow and ice. By the first snows of winter, the processor and power house buildings were in place, they would be able to continue installation out of the weather.
They had set the huge crusher before the building was erected. The concentrator came next and then the flotation tank. All these were smaller and easily handled inside the building. As soon as the small "donkey" boiler was installed, the buildings had heat.
One morning, he found his Indian workmen camping inside the Crusher building. The Indian work leader came to Hue and asked permission for the men to live in the building rather than walk the long trail in the snow and ice back to their village each night. Hue had no problem, but he was adamant that there be no children living with their fathers in the building, it was just too dangerous!
Hue struggled through the snow one evening, they had to stop work for the day as the wind and blowing snow made visibility nearly zero. He stepped in their trailer and found his Baki, Danny, cuddling a frightened Concho as the wind buffeted the trailer. He made up his mind then and there, he would speak to 'Tavio the next day. When he laid out his proposal to 'Tavio, the young man hugged Hue and said, "Hue, if Sr. Danny is willing to do this, the Company will make it happen!"
That night, Hue told Danny what he proposed, that Danny adopt little Concho and make him his son. Danny looked at his brother and stammered, "Are you sure this can be done? What do I need to do to make Concho mine?"
Hue hugged Danny and replied, "Baki, it will go out in the mail pouch tomorrow!"
Three weeks later, a large bundle of documents arrived in the mail pouch, it was a court order that the orphan boy, known as CONCHO be permanently adopted by Senor Daniel G. Best! Also in the bundle was a copy of the court's letter to the American Embassy in Lima, applying for a Passport for Concho Hue Best. Danny was so excited, he dropped everything and ran to their trailer, Concho, or as they had taken to calling him, Conchito (little Concho) had progressed rapidly in speaking and understanding English.
When he finally understood what Sr. Danny was telling him, the small boy flung himself into Danny's arms sobbing and crying, repeating over and over, "Papa, Papa, Papa!"
That night, Hue and Danny hosted a bar-b-que supper for their crew and Indian helpers in the Crusher Building. They announced Concho's new status, and Hue's crew nodded, all thinking, "This is becoming a Family tradition". There was more than one young Indian who looked with envy at the fortunate young boy.
By the following spring, the miners had reached the ore body and they had sufficient ore to run a test on the crusher and concentrator. The ore had assayed out at 0.8%. It was going to be a very profitable mine indeed! The ore concentrate was to be trucked down to the railhead and shipped to the smelter in Miraflores, the elevation was too great to operate a smelter efficiently at the mine location.
During that summer, they completed pouring the floors and had set the flotation tank in place. All the wiring and plumbing were completed and miles of conveyors were installed and tested. The truck loading facility was the last major part of the plant to be completed, at the last minute, the company asked that additional lighting be installed so truck loading could take place around the clock.
They began running trial production runs that winter to determine the best settings for the crusher. They had to re-design the separator and install new screens, but by spring, the plant was ready to run. There had been several land tremors during the winter. Hue was not in any way comfortable with the earth beneath him jumping and groaning! Three days later, a red glow was seen behind one of the nearby peaks, the Indians reported an eruption was in progress. Hue was as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs! Every time the ground shook, the whites of his eyes were seen.
As the project neared completion, there was an envelope in the mail pouch addressed to Sr. Daniel G. Best and Hijo! (son). It was Conchito's American Passport and documents allowing Concho Hue Best to leave the country accompanied by Sr. Daniel G. Best, parent! It was a 'toss-up" who was more emotional, Conchito or Danny. Danny had already written Caleb and the boys who were still at home, Bic, Hui and Hua were all eagerly waiting to meet their new cousin! They had sent him their pictures and simple letters that Hue and Danny were able to translate for the boy. Conchito had painfully printed out replies to each letter and his eagerness to meet each one of them!
That night, the nearby volcano erupted with a vengeance, lava was plainly visible in the distance. The buildings shook and danced on their foundations and the miners decided to cease working underground until things settled down.
Hue held a completion conference with the company officials, 'Tavio had herded them up to the mine site. It was with relief that the contract was deemed fulfilled and Hue had a Letter of Credit for payment in full drawn on Chase Manhattan Bank in New York. They spent the next several days packing up their belongings and saying goodbye to the many people they had become friends with.
A delegation from the Indian Village came to say goodbye to one of their own, Conchito. They gave him gifts to remember his heritage by and held a small festival in his honor. The village headman presented him with a figurine of Atalco, the ancient deity of their people. Concho would treasure that gift for the remainder of his life.
Early the next morning, the volcano "blew its top", raining rock and debris down on the mine site! Hue was quick to offer his crew to assist in any way possible. They helped with the few people who were injured by falling stones and they opened the door of the warehouse to house the Indian villagers, safe from falling rocks.
They delayed their departure for nearly a week, the volcano quieted down again and the site was cleaned of broken stone and volcanic ash. Hopefully, they again got ready to depart, this time, the volcano cooperated and there was no delay in their departure. Like their arrival, it was a three day trip down to the railhead. At each nightly stop, Conchito became more and more excited, it was all new to him. He had never been more than a mile or two from his village.
When he saw the train, he had an iron grip on Danny's hand, not at all sure he wanted to travel in that iron box! Danny was worried about him riding in an airplane. They were the only travelers in the First Class coaches, everything was new and exciting to Conchito. He asked questions of Danny and Hue that they were hard-pressed to devise an answer that the young boy would understand.
When they arrived in Lima, Conchito's head was like a swivel, everything to him was like magic. They took him to supper at La Crem Rica, Hue discovered a fellow carnivore! It was amazing how much food that little boy could pack away. The American Embassy recommended a medical doctor where they could get a health certificate for Concho and any shots he might need. Conchito took one look at that tray filled with hypodermic needles and latched onto Danny's arm in a death grip! He never let out even a whimper, but his eyes were filled with fear. Danny picked up the small child and held him. Conchito nestled his face into his Papa's shoulder while the medico filled him with strange-smelling medicines and needles in places that hurt. He ran a slight fever that night, Danny and Hue sat with him in one of their laps all night long. By morning, they were red-eyed and tired, Conchito had recovered and was ready to go! 'Tavio herded them on the ancient government buses for the trip to the airport. He was sad, he had come to like and respect these Americans and he promised himself he would stay in contact with them.
Chapter 3 - RETURN HOME
The airport was crowded and busy, 'Tavio deftly guided them through Departure formalities until he had to leave them. He hugged his friend, Hue, and promised he would write. He leaned down and gave Conchito a hug and a kiss, telling him that he was an American now and to make them all proud of him. They then went through passport control and got their passports stamped. Conchito was a little hesitant to give the man his passport, but the official was very kind and patient with him.
As they walked out to the Premier Class Departure Lounge, the huge airplane rolled up to the Jetway. The boy's eyes got big and he started to shake, Danny held him and explained what was going to take place to the frightened boy. When they were called to board the plane, Danny carried him and Hue held his hand, remembering vividly his own first airplane trip, so many years ago!
Danny put Conchito in the seat next to the window and Hue was in the seat directly behind them. When the pilot started the engines, Hue reached over the seat and held the boy's hand, Danny had his arm around Conchito, making sure he felt safe and protected. As the huge plane began its roll down the runway, Conchito had his hand wrapped around Hue's and a death grip on Danny's arm. Once in the air and the vibration had lessoned, Conchito began to look around.
The stewardess recognized she had a very frightened little boy in her cabin, she brought him a model of the airplane and a package to chocolate chip cookies to munch on. By the time the meal was served, Conchito's inner carnivore had taken over, he was HUNGRY! As soon as his tummy had been filled, his weariness took over and he was soon sound asleep. He only woke briefly as they landed in Mexico City and was back asleep before they took off again. It was just a few more hours before they were approaching San Francisco.
When Danny told Conchito that they were coming in for a landing, there was a little boy nose pressed against the glass, watching for the first look of his new home. It was night and the sky was clear, he was watching the twinkling lights below him. He said to his Papa, "It is so big, so many lights!"
Danny chuckled, "Yes, son, but there is only one light that is important."
Conchito looked at his daddy and asked, "Which one, Papa?"
Danny rubbed the boy's head and replied, "YOURS!"
At long last, the weary travelers were allowed to disembark and they went through the tedious exercise of immigration before they were allowed into the Baggage Terminal and Customs. At the exit, three young boys were holding up a banner, "WELCOME CONCHO, OUR BAKI"!
Conchito turned shy at these new people, but, like boys everywhere, they were soon babbling in a mixture of English, Malay and Spanish all garbled together. No adult would ever make any sense of it, but the boys knew exactly what the other was saying!
Caleb had his two sons in his arms, relief that they were home was plain on his face. Hue beheld his son, Bic, now a rising Junior at Sacramento State University. He was still a small man, but he had filled out, no one could ever mistake him for a child. The two just stared at one another for a few seconds, then each grabbed the other in a stranglehold, trying to meld into one being.
They were home, they were happy, they were BEST AND SONS!
Look for more adventures of Caleb Best and his sons.