Don Hanley had every reason to believe he was born a worthless burden, but he finds that splendor is there for those who seek it, and it might even be inside him. Don Hanley's early life was shaped by insults and put-downs, starting with the delivery doctor declaring him just another mouth to feed when he was born. From a very young age, his father and older brother hurled physical and verbal abuse at him and never let an opportunity pass by to tell him that he was nothing more than a worthless pile of shit, so Don grew up believing there was nothing good, special, or important about him. But there are other clues along the way that allow Don to imagine that, despite contrary opinions, he just might be intelligent, good, and worthy of love. Along his journey, each clue gives him a piece of his confidence back, which fills him with the determination to make his dreams of becoming a priest and providing for his mother come true. In following his dreams, he discovers other possibilities for his life that the pain of his childhood had him believe he was not worthy or capable of. And another comment, intended as an insult, would change the course of his life forever; he would be condemned for being a free thinker.