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Ronald Autry has always been called Ronald, never Ron or Ronnie, during the years that we have known him. We have spent time with his family in Vermont and visited them in Des Moines; we have spent hours doing jigsaw puzzles with Ronald, who is is a master of puzzles. We are the fumblers who lose pieces, which he ardently seeks until he finds. As he grew up, we often observed his parents’ mix of frustration and hope.

All together now, with heart and soul and voices, let’s sing number 1786. Why don’t I read the lyrics first, and then let the guitar and drums pick it up: