To read and better understand the story of the small, almost impish little orphaned boy in my book, one should first try walking in the shoes of this four and a half year old child. Quickly one will realise the bewilderment and confusion surrounding his small yet complicated world. As his childish years pass into boyhood and he recognises the difference between his relatively cold, loveless institutionalised way of life, and compares it with the 'outsiders' caring family structure, he can easily see the affection, love and normality he is missing in life. Notwithstanding the harsh disciplined upbringing he received in much of his juvenile years, there are still the good times, the relatively loving people charged to look after him, but above all the lasting, even lifelong friendships he found and bonded with during all of those childhood years in Dr Barnardo's Homes. This then, is the story of a Dr Barnardo boy, who was raised in the 'Homes' during the Second World War and until 1950. Whether his upbringing was an ordeal or a nurtured success, the reader will decide and, of course, is free to form his or her own conclusion.