A Promise Kept

The early morning hours of January 1, 1882 were cold and dark as eleven year old Charles Carter moved behind a large pine tree. “The deer will soon show up,” thought Charles, settled into position, rifle at the ready. His father, Robert, had brought him to this place over the last four years to teach Charles how to fire his rifle and to shoot deer and rabbits for the family larder. Now Charles came by himself for the first time. He felt the closeness of his father, and a tear trickled down his cheek as he thought about his father’s funeral a few weeks ago.


A Promise Kept is the story of Charles Carter, born on a farm in rural Lawrence County Alabama five years after the Civil War. He had two sisters and a pregnant mother when his father died. He became the man of the house and matured rapidly after his father’s death.


His mother was concerned about the care of his sisters and the coming baby until they reached maturity. Charles promised to care of her, his two sisters and the coming baby until they married or died. His mother knew it was a sacred vow giving her great peace.