We all grow up in unique circumstances because people can be extremely idiosyncratic.  Some situations, however, stretch credulity.  None-the-less, the truth found in the following stories is not up for debate, even though this is a work of fiction.  When you read the material keep an open mind.  What you think must be patently false just might be absolutely true, but the reverse is also a real possibility.  The dichotomy of my life, split between a strict Catholic education and eye-opening existence working along the waterfront, allowed me to see ways to live on a big, split screen. Both visions continually overlapped but were also constantly at war with one another.  I do not believe I am unique in living in this manner.