Summer came and with it summer vacation. This was one of the benefits of teaching I’d enjoyed so much over the years, especially when the kids were at home. It gave me time to be with them in ways fathers in other professions missed. This summer was not going to be that enjoyable, however. I hadn’t retired. The school board had decided to take legal action against me. The summer would be spent preparing for the trial, which would take place at the end of July. I had informed the kids of my situation. For the most part, their response was heartwarming and appreciated. Meg and Kathy were sympathetic and encouraging. Mike and John were going to get some advice from their local gay activists group. Peter wouldn’t take my call, though, so I left the message with Angie. At my request news of the
