Glimpses into the Life of an Ordinary Guy

About the Book

About the Author

The memoirs of William Rourke Sisson, with letters between mother and son during college, medical school, World War II The grandson of a pioneer homesteader in southeastern Colorado, Bill Sisson built his life on faith, family, and friendships. This memoir, spiced with Bill’s dry sense of humor, steadfast honesty, and positive outlook, recounts his childhood ties to the family ranch in Picketwire Canyon near La Junta, Colorado, his medical training and years as a doctor in both military and private practice, his global adventures and joys of the hearth. This volume also holds a rare collection of letters, written between 1939 and 1946, primarily between mother and son. The correspondence follows Bill’s experiences as a student, then being thrust into the role of wartime doctor at the tender age of 24. As World War II unfolds, the letters reveal the everyday weave of life, both overseas and at home, accented by poignant letters chronicling the attack on Pearl Harbor, the death of loved ones, and the jubilation of V-Day. In his unassuming way, Bill Sisson presents a model of living a joyful, respectful, adventurous, and faithful life. His words, like his life, convey the strength of family and of values too easily swept aside in today’s press of speed, stimulation, and stress. This book also gives rare insight into a period of history through words written as the events were taking place.