“Do you remember the day, the event, when you knew…’Now, I truly am a grown man?’” Part 2
In August, it was the time I became a man in eyes of my grandfather. Earlier in the summer, prior to leaving to attend college in Minnesota, I had made contact with my biological for the first time in my life. The experience of meeting my biological father for the first time was an overwhelming experience to say the least. I was able to get in touch with, meet, and have a enjoyable conversation with Butch, the other person responsible for bringing me into the world. My grandfather knew that I had made contact with my biological father. One...
read more“Do you remember the day, the event, when you knew…’Now, I truly am a grown man?’” Part 1
As we reflect on this upcoming Father’s Day weekend I could not help sharing one of the most powerful statements my grandfather made to me. I was 18 and preparing to leave home for the first time. I remember our conversation as if it took place only a few weeks ago. That entire summer was filled with excitement, happiness but also with sadness as I was preparing to transition into manhood. I would be leaving my mentoring role as the oldest grandchild of my grandparents. Several of my aunt’s children lived with us, my grandfather...
read more“Gone But not Forgotten”
So many thoughts have surfaced since writing my memoir, Manhood From the Hood. I received this thoughtful letter from Darzel Price. He is the older brother of Keith “Magnetic” Price. Keith was on our basketball team at Crane High School in the 70′s. What is the moral of Darzel sharing his feelings? Is it the power of one brother’s love for his sibling? Is it a testament of what most important in life? Every Friday, I will share my thoughts on my friends no longer alive but continue live in my heart. My...
read moreA Time To Reflect on the Past!
Please read this wonderful the University of Chicago Magazine article. Several months after I completed my memoir, Manhood From the Hood, I found out that Mike Fourcher’s dad in 1971 had taken many photos of my “hood” in inner city Chicago. Back then the University of Illinois called it the “Valley” because they had setup a clinic in our neighborhood. We never knew this is what they called our neighborhood. We just lived our lives and this is the area where I learned my values. So much of my book is dedicated...
read moreExcerpts From Manhood From the Hood
The last several Mondays I have enjoyed posting the excerpts from Bill’s book, Manhood From the Hood. Bill’s book inspired me to reflect on my life, my family values and the many high school youth I have had the honor to coach over the years. These are my last post and thanks for taking the time to read them. “More excerpts from Manhood From the Hood by Coach Welter.” 69. What type of husband and father will I be? 70.What is an introspective journey? 71. Through my 8 year friendship with Gail Lamb, I was forced to learn how...
read moreExcerpts from Manhood from the Hood
We all have great people who passed through our lives when we were young. Some were of worldly esteem; most were not. But all cared to share whatever they had with us. Some shared money; some shared time; some shared a simple kind word or phrase of encouragement or just random acts of kindness. Their influence was immeasurable. We have never forgotten it. If they are still alive, find them and tell them how much they mean to your life. If they have passed on, tell them anyway. Either way your words will touch them and they will be in awe...
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