Christopher Bullfrog Catcher told through eyes of one exceptional young man with the aid of his loving mother is a simple story of Hemmingway greatness. The words, though simple, reveal remarkable courage, self discovery, and love of nature. Christopher Shiveley Welch, born with cleft lip and palate and several learning disabilities, discovers the world of nature not only from an educational perspective but from a personal one as well.
Debra, his mother, aids him with the educational focus, while his dad helps him with the physical aspect of catching bullfrogs. Christopher broadens his horizons and reaches out to the world. He opens his heart to an unknown public as he shares his experiences. His love for the protection of bullfrogs shines through as he catches them, nurses them, and sends them back to the wild where they belong.
Christopher Bullfrog Catcher is a metaphor for his very own life. Christopher Shiveley Welch, nursed and protected by his loving parents, is growing up. He is becoming a man, exploring his environment, venturing out of his protective cocoon, learning new skills. Christopher starts the journey of self reliance as he ventures into unchartered territories, all the while realizing deep within himself, that no matter what the challenges life might bring for him, his parents will be there to nurse him back to good health when the need arises.
Christopher Bullfrog Catcher is a story of hope and inspiration for all learning disabled children and adults alike. It reminds us to believe in ourselves, to take on life as it comes to us. Christopher's story reminds us how we must never forget to accept nurturing from our loved ones and to repay that nurturing by administering to others along the road of life. No matter whom we are or what our strengths and weaknesses may be, life is a challenge, a learning experience, a chance to become all that God planned for us to be.
Carol Roach, M.Ed, BA
winterose@videotron.ca
Author of "Picking Up the Pieces" and
"Angels Watching Over Me"