Stephen’s Story

About the Book

Whoever wants to read this story, Stephen’s Story, must realize that the distressing sections written within the pages are part of his story. To hide or even “sugar coat” the agonizing effects that Vietnam had on him would be an insult to him, and all of the other soldiers who have lost their battle to PTSD. No one can ever change the past. However, we can learn from our past transgressions and create hope for the future. Stephen and his family had many good times together. He had a wild and comic presence. This book wants to show all of his sides – the little boy, comedian, soldier, student, brother, and son are only a few. No one can explain why Stephen felt guilt or shame after returning home from Vietnam – or why any soldier feels shame, remorse, or guilt when they come home from war. Perhaps this story can be used as an example to educate others as to how PTSD destroys the human soul.

About the Author

William Summerscales was born in Silsden, a town among the moors of Yorkshire, England. He came to Canada with the family at age fi ve, and attended elementary and secondary schools in Hamilton, Ontario. He received a B.A. from Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, Massachusetts, an M.A. in Philosophy from the University of Toronto, an M.Div. from San Francisco Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. from Columbia University in New York, where he remained as a member of the faculty. Stephen’s mother, Ruth Bruere Sickler, of Media, PA, is deceased. William Summerscales was retired when he died in 2011. He lived in Princeton, New Jersey, with his wife, Elpida.