Requiem for Black Shoes

This is a true story with fictional embellishments. It is a story of the sexual abuse of a young boy by a Catholic priest. It Happened to me. I kept this secret to myself and, in fact, never revealed it to my wife until 35 years after we were married! Buried deep within, the full physical and psychological impact did not begin to resurface until shortly after my retirement from the teaching profession. Then it erupted like a volcano. I needed, sought and received professional help. Every week for the next three years, I visited with my psychiatrist. Through her kind and loving guidance, I began to understand my behavioural patterns and my severe mood swings. The narrative traces the life of the young protagonist and illustrates the life-long effects of this childhood traumatic experience. It explores his relationships with his family, his friends, his God and his church. It is sometimes sad but often humorous and it does end on a hopeful note.