Welcome To The Story Of Fred

Operation Fred is an online book that unfolds in 15 chapters, each paired with a corresponding leadership and life lesson. Chapter One and Lesson One are here for you to view. If you would like to continue with Chapter Two and Lesson Two, please register here. The rest of the story is free, but you need to sign up to receive the chapters via email. The lessons come with a one-time fee of $20.

Operation Fred-Chapter One

It was mid-April the first time we heard the singing. My husband and I were outside in our backyard, chatting about the thousands of small details we still needed to accomplish after making the cross country move from Philadelphia to Houston a few months prior

A feline noise sounding sad and scared, and quite possibly hurt, surprised us out of the blue. It was mournful and urgent and sad. It sounded like giving up, or maybe calling pitifully for help. It resonated with emotions of both fear and solemn acceptance. It could be a last dramatic goodbye tinged with an elusive bit of hope. Hope that someone would care. Care enough to wonder and investigate.

Momma's POV

That sound is so sad, and so scared! I know it is a cat, but I can’t see a cat anywhere. It sounds so close, like maybe even under our house. But no matter where we look, we can’t find it.

Momma's POV

That sound is so sad, and so scared! I know it is a cat, but I can’t see a cat anywhere. It sounds so close, like maybe even under our house. But no matter where we look, we can’t find it.

In fact, the moment we jumped up to start to search, the sounds stopped. It was like the cat was frightened by our sudden movements and had to go silent to stay safe.

I feel helpless. My maternal instincts, especially for a cat, are in overdrive. I can feel my heart racing, and yet there is nothing I can do. I can’t help an animal that doesn’t want to be found…

I look up into the window in our door, and Penelope is there looking out. I wonder if she heard the cat, and if so, if she knows what’s going on.

Eventually Jeff and I decide to sit down again and continue with our conversation, although I can tell we are both distracted, waiting for another cry that never comes.

Fred's POV

I am so hungry! I am hungry all the time! And I was just about to catch a mouse when something spooked it and it ran away before I could pounce.

Fred's POV

I am so hungry! I am hungry all the time! And I was just about to catch a mouse when something spooked it and it ran away before I could pounce. I was so angry that I couldn’t help but wail my frustration.

That might now have been a good idea though. I didn’t know that the people who live in the house could hear me. As soon as I made my howl, they jumped up from the table and began looking for me.

I hope they don’t see me here under the house. I make myself really small and low to the ground. If I don’t move, they probably won’t see me. Then they’ll go away.

It seems like forever before they stop looking under the house, but now they are gone. Good. But now I have to start all over. The mouse I wanted is gone, so if I want to eat today, I’m going to have to go find food somewhere else.

The story of Fred is written in 15 chapters.

You are invited to follow along for free. All we ask is that you register.