I first heard Merle Haggard when I was 5 or 6 years old, riding with Dad in the “Lloyd’s Upholstery Shop” truck while he rotated between Buck Owens, Charley Pride, Fats Domino, Merle Haggard, and lots of other music on the eight-track tape player. Haggard’s death in April (also the month of Dad’s birthday) sent me back in time; I found Dad’s eight-track collection and case, with two Hag titles still in there. Dad taught me about life, and the Hag taught me how to reflect on it…