This story takes place in a small, rural community in Louisiana. An orphan abandoned as an infant grows up feeling unloved, unwanted and as if he has no place of belonging.

Once he becomes of "legal age", he decides to set out on his own and locate his mother. Having little education or wisdom of the world about him, the youngster finds himself living in the swamps and face to face with nature.. the good, the bad and the potentially ugly.

The book is filled with laughter, southern drawls and terms, pestilence from the swamp, love, romance, hardships, prayers... every emotion imaginable.

It is, to me, a modern day "Old Yeller"; the only exception being the pet is no dog. It's an alligator and Fed (the orphan) doesn't fight with Travis but the China Doll who is a dainty southern belle that teaches him a lesson or two... the hard way.

Fed learns that the most important thing a person can have, more so than a home or name, is love for one another; and that no matter how bad the world may seem.. if you look skyward long enough, you are bound to see a rainbow.

"June 17, 1978.… INFANT CHILD FOUND IN LOCAL PARK". Fed stared in disbelief as he read the news paper. This shocking article was the details of how his life came to be. Perhaps it would entail enough information to give him what he had longed for.. A place of belonging, a mother and perhaps even a father. The seventeen year old youngster continued to read. "Officials received an anonymous call yesterday afternoon around 5 o’clock with reports that an infant had been found in the local park. It was also reported that the child was wrapped in a blanket with a note attached. Upon arrival of authorities, the caller had given correct details. There was a beautiful, red haired, hazel eyed, Caucasian, male, infant left beneath a tree. The note pinned to the child"s thin blanket read as follows: Please take care of my baby. I can’t. I simply can’t. No one will ever understand or forgive me if they know my identity. I’m not sure I will ever forgive myself. I want him to have a good and loving home, something I’m not sure he could ever have with me. Because I love my son, he is now with you. I did take the liberty of giving him a name. He is Franklin Edward; with his last name to be chosen by his parents. Be good to this little boy. I beg of you. He is a blessing and test to us all. It is yet to be determined if I will pass or fail but for the parents who will teach, love, and watch him become a young man.. He is nothing less than a blessing. Count that blessing and hold it precious to your heart." The article continued…"If any one has any knowledge as to the location of young Franklin’s mother, please notify the local police department, immediately. Any information will be held confidential. If you are interested in adoption or foster care, contact your local Child Protection Services Agency.

The child was taken to the local hospital, where he is now being treated for a number of possible conditions," the article read. His condition is currently listed as critical. However; doctors are reporting that a full recovery looks promising." Fed read on."Pediatrician, Dr. David M. Hart, estimated the child’s age to be approximately two to three weeks; determining his date of birth to have been between May 27th and June 3^{rd". The article was concluded with a photograph of Fed as he was discovered in the par, wrapped in a thin, pale, blanket and placed on the ground beneath a tree .}

Fed could not believe his eyes. He was introduced to the world by a news paper article. How could any one be so heartless yet in the same breath, write such a heart wrenching declaration of love?! Every emotion imaginable stirred with in poor Fed. He wasn’t sure he wanted to find his mother after reading her letter of abandonment.

"So, this iz whut I got ta go on, huh?" Fed mused. "Well, when I do fine’der, we’ll juss see how easy it iz fer her ta look me in ‘na eyes. I wunder whut she had’da say da my deddy, er if she bother’da led ‘im know ‘bout me a’tall. Maybe she wuz…" Fed pondered out loud. "Oh holy squat knob, Saint Pete! Thay ain’t no call fer all tha what ifs! I might uz well git ta tha ho’spital ‘an pa’lease dapartmut.. Seems like tha firss hans on I ever s’perienc’d" he declared harshly. With those words; the red haired, 6 feet 2 inch tall, 136 pound, freckled face young man announced to his foster family quite sternly.. "I’m goin’ ta fine’der. It’s high time ya’ll quit ridin’ na system fer a pay check an’ I stop’t ridin’ na werl fer a scuse. Ain’t no need ta report me missin’ er a run away. I been sebenteen fer two weeks an ain’t toada’lly stoopid to tha law. I kin leave when I wanna en’ I’m ou’da’ here." With not so much as a word from any one, Fed walked out and began what would prove to be the search with no end.