Happenings of a Fellow from West Texas Who Married an Intriguing Lady from Lima, Peru

This colorful memoir follows Bill Heard, Ph.D. through various early and mid-life experiences throughout the American Southwest that have shaped him into the man he’s become. It sheds light on his struggle to grow up and finally cross cultural boundaries and enter into the intellectual community. Many of the early happenings occurred during the Great Depression and the dust storms of the Midwest in the 1930s. It was said that, on any day, one-fourth of the American people were on the road looking for work. To that extent, this memoir is historical, as seen through the eyes of a child. Dr. Heard’s storytelling is easy to get caught up in: at times humorous and other times sad, sometimes inspirational, and always interesting. He bares even the most awkward and teaching moments. His story is full of action, with a variety of life experiences with unexpected twists and turns.

Dr. Heard aims to present one person’s struggle to grow up and manage his life in the context of such questions as who am I, and how do I become that person? Socrates has said, The unexamined life is not worth living. Dr. Heard hopes that others reading the book will find a companion in their own unique struggle to lead an examined life.

About the Author

Bill Heard, Ph.D. grew up on his grandparents’ farm in West Texas, shortly before the Great Depression and the start of the Dust Bowl of the Dirty Thirties. He moved to Arizona when he was eight. Thirty-three years later, he moved to California, where he resided for forty-four years. Finally, at age eighty-five, he moved to Hawaii, where he presently resides. He has worked as a pastor and as a psychotherapist. He is now retired and seeking an enjoyable life.