Charlie's Crossing: The Journey Begins

By Mike Catalano

The author wrote Charlie's Crossing: The Journey Begins in 2010 for his daughters so they could live life by the grace God has bestowed upon His children. It was after finishing the book that the author realized it could be an example to all ages and decided to introduce the book to the world. 

Having grown up in the Swiss Al

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: Oct 13, 2023
• ISBN: 9798890413949

Mike Catalano

Mike Catalano, a New York native, relocated to Florida and after 31 years as a police officer, retired in 2020. Catalano credits the inspiration for the book to his daughters, but looking back, he realizes that it may be the result of his own father passing when he was the age of one. As a Christian, Catalano wanted to make sure this book, had a faith-based connection for the reader.

Book preview

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Charlie’s Crossing

BOOK 1

The Journey Begins

Mike Catalano

Trilogy Christian Publishers

Tustin, CA

Trilogy Christian Publishers

A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Trinity Broadcasting Network

2442 Michelle Drive

Tustin, CA 92780

Charlie’s Crossing

Copyright © 2023 by Mike Catalano

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.

For information, address Trilogy Christian Publishing

Rights Department, 2442 Michelle Drive, Tustin, Ca 92780.

Trilogy Christian Publishing/ TBN and colophon are trademarks of Trinity Broadcasting Network.

For information about special discounts for bulk purchases, please contact Trilogy Christian Publishing.

Manufactured in the United States of America

Trilogy Disclaimer: The views and content expressed in this book are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views and doctrine of Trilogy Christian Publishing or the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available.

ISBN 979-8-89041-393-2

ISBN 979-8-89041-394-9 (ebook))

In memory of my mother who passed a few months before this book’s completion. She taught me the true essence of how to be a God-fearing man.

Dedication

To my daughters Gabriella and Jayden, you were the inspiration for this book. To my wife Michelle, thank you for always supporting my endeavors. No matter what happens to me, I will always be with you. God blessed my life when He brought us together, and you have given me more support than any person could ever ask for. My heart functions because of God, but it beats for you!

Preface

I have always liked to write. I have written many poems, short stories, business plans, television scripts, brilliant ideas on the back of a napkin, love notes to my wife, and, as my friends like to tell me, way-too-long emails.

I have read many inspirational books during my lifetime, most of which promised the pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. I never found the pot of gold, but I found that perhaps the journey was more important than the destination. Many of the books I have read had different approaches to accomplishing my dreams, but I never felt they provided a path for actually achieving them. Maybe that was the point? Some had one or two pearls of wisdom, others had none, and few ever discussed individuality or where to seek inner strength.

Before I could determine what I, as an individual, required to excel in life, I needed to take a walk down memory lane and go back to the beginning. What influences molded my belief system? During my walk, I took a look at all of the pivotal moments in my life that created who I am today. Once I did that, I found those missing links that revealed my soul—where my breath came from, making my life whole.

These missing links were complemented by the joy of marriage, the blessing of children, and of course, the daily reflections of living. I have written this story about a young boy who faces his fears and, through his own self-discipline, learns to fight being discontent. He learns about life, responsibility, and filling in the missing links.

Introduction

The Charlie’s Crossing Series is a story that engages readers in romance, religion, and fantasy with an educational aspect on life. It is perfect for all ages middle school through adult. Allow me to briefly point out a few details about this work. The Journey Begins is the first installment in a series that depicts the experiences of a male protagonist who decides to embark upon a life-altering journey that will ultimately help answer lingering questions and learn important lessons.

Having grown up in the Swiss Alps with his father Nedwell and mother Heidi, Charlie went on several camping trips at the age of twelve. These were not ordinary camping trips, however, as they allowed Nedwell to teach Charlie about life. It is there that Charlie encountered animals that ultimately changed his life. Eventually, after Charlie’s father passes away, he is left