In rural Louisiana in the 1930s, a father of three is sent to prison for doing the unthinkable while under the infl uence of whiskey. Life in prison seems inevitable but God has other plans. Miraculously set free, Floyd Franklin goes on to father more children and in 1945, in an old log shack on a dirt road, the author of this story is born. Growing up as the son of a rage-fi lled alcoholic, young Fred Franklin carries a heavy burden and travels a long, hard road. Along the way, he comes close to losing his own life and nearly takes the life of another. This is a story of survival, perseverance and triumph. And ultimately, it is a story of forgiveness. As it says in the Bible in Matthew 6:14: "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you." " Souvenirs of a Childhood Interrupted is one of those rare books that you will not be able to lay down until you are sure all ends well. Growing up in the Forties and Fifties in rural America, life was tough at times-even when there was family peace and harmony. As my friend, Fred Franklin, unravels this saga of his early childhood, he holds nothing back, vividly describing the harsh and the happy experiences embedded in his memory. For certain, he endured far more mental trauma than a small child should. But, Fred is living proof that the old saying is true: "That which doesn't kill you makes you stronger." Today the author is at peace with the past and the present, thanks to the support of a loving wife, the power of forgiveness, and the grace of a loving God."

Paul Meeks, Founder of API Outdoors Fred Franklin written by Angie Hammons My father, Fred Franklin, is fi rst and foremost a southern gentleman. He is a man deeply committed to his family, God, his southern roots and his high-school-sweetheart-wife, Diane. He is a retired fi eld offi ce manager for a national pipeline construction company who is enjoying retirement on his eighteen-acre farm in Linville, Louisiana.

While his childhood spent with his abusive, alcoholic father caused him to grow up too quickly, it also helped shape him into the fi erce family man that he is today. He is devoted to his wife of forty-nine years as well as daughters Dionne Campbell and husband Mark, and me, Angie Hammons, and my husband who's also named Mark, grandchildren Caleb Hammons and wife Kendyl, Jadie Hammons Underwood and husband Taylor, Winston Hammons, Samantha Harris and husband Kirk, Kaylee Patrick and husband Jordan, and Cooper Campbell, plus great grandchildren Kailyn and Paisley Harris, Tripp Patrick, and Joshua Hammons.

Dad is also a lover of art, music and literature. When he isn't busy tending his pecan orchard, he loves to write country, bluegrass and blues songs. He is also an avid outdoorsman who enjoys fi shing, hunting, golfi ng and cooking. He is a true southern renaissance man.