This book of short stories offers the readers a window into the life of the author as a young boy growing up in New Waterford, Cape Breton in the 1960’s. Focused on simple encounters with family, friends and those who came into his life, the stories show how seemingly unimportant daily interactions shaded and prepared him for future aspects of his life.

Anchor of My Heart is a nostalgic reminder of the importance of simpler days which are often not fully appreciated at the time. For the author, the metaphor of an anchor represents the hope that sprouted from his youth and the moral guidance it has provided him during his adult years, sometimes in places very far from Cape Breton Island.

It is a tribute to the earliest memories of those who came into the author’s life throughout his childhood and who helped form his world view.

Derrick is a retired Physician Assistant who served 35 years with the Canadian Forces, now pursuing his passion for writing about the simpler times of growing up in his hometown of New Waterford. In his stories, one can see an enduring love and admiration for the people of his home town and of Cape Breton, drawn from his experiences as a child. This is his first attempt at writing a collection of short stories, reminding us of those lessons from childhood which come to guide us throughout our lives.