The Encounter Series

About the Book

Two of the stories you are about to read have a grain of truth in them. The Encounter, my first story, is based on some of my family members! My brother was in study to become a Roman Catholic priest, actually two times, once as a young man, then many years later as an older man. Both times he approached ordination and left the church.

The next two stories are to give the reader a lighter side of the church and its traditions. Especially the story, 1955 or Confession is Good for the Soul. I am the young boy with the clicker. We actually did attend morning mass like I wrote about. Also, the nun’s in their black habits were to me, a small boy, a fearsome sight and not to be on the wrong side of. I really did join the Marine Corps, but I was not the military type. I did this more so to honor the family tradition on my mother’s side of the family.

I hope you enjoy reading these stories, as I have enjoyed writing them.

About the Author

Fred Welch lives along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Well, most of my life, anyway. We’ve had so many acts of nature and disappointments of late. In 1969, there was Camille, in 2005, Katrina, and now in 2010, an oil spill from the drilling rig, Deep Horizon. In between, there were many lesser events to sadden the likes of the good people who live, work, play, and raise their families here. I’ve raised four children. I have 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. I love spring, but fall most of all! I’ve tried many different creative ventures: art, music, sculpture and for the past 7 or 8 years, writing. I play classical guitar, and Jazz. I find everyday a new adventure. I hope you do too!