James arrived in his own vehicle, carrying a cooler for the Saturday barbecue.

There was no radio call bringing him, no stretcher waiting, no anxious child holding out a key.

The boys stopped running long enough to identify him.

“Uncle James!”

They went toward the driveway, and Clara reminded them to wait until he was parked and out.

Then they rushed the last few steps and wrapped themselves around him.

He steadied the cooler and laughed.

“You’re getting bigger every time I see you.”