Secrets of the Blue Door: A true story of bringing closure to sexual abuse at a ranch for boys - Paperback

by Pierre L. Nichols (Author)

Death of a child brings to light the hidden sexual abuse perpetrated by a priest at a boy's ranch in New Mexico. One volunteer worker secretly fights against church and state to resolve the abuse, while struggling with his own faith and personal tragedies. It all culminates in lawsuits and an emotional conclusion 40 years later. A heart wrenching memoir that speaks of courage as well as sends a message that everyone should read.

Author Biography

Pierre L. Nichols, grew up in Chicago and Oak Park, Illinois. After his high school years, and a scholarship to the Chicago Art Institute, he joined the army serving overseas in Thailand as an army photographer. After service in the military, he was employed as a commercial photographer in Youngstown, Ohio, until an invite to be a volunteer in New Mexico changed his life. It was while working as a volunteer at a boy's ranch for troubled youth, that Nichols discovered sexual abuse by the ranch founder. Investigations by him, produced little results from any authorities. After so much heartbreak and sadness over the tragic death of one boy, as well as his own personal struggles with faith, Nichols moved on with his life. He did work with migrant workers, street people and developed a successful art gallery in Wyoming, before returning to New Mexico in 2004. It was then that the boys ranch issue resurfaced, forty years later. Nichols goes through the pain and anguish all over again, to help bring justice for the boys that were so harmed, as well as closure for himself. Nichols lives a full life as an artist and writer in Silver City, New Mexico.