In the mountains of East Tennessee, a young man comes of age in the closing months of the Civil War. He struggles with his desire for materialism versus his desire for the blessings and comforts of home and hearth. Unusual circumstances compel him to join the Union army. When the war ends and he returns to his mountain home, everything has changed; and he struggles to find his way in a changed world. Charles served in the United States Air Force where he developed a love of freedom and country, which is just as strong today as ever. He is a graduate of East Tennessee State University with a BSN in Nursing and Health Sciences. He worked for 30+ years in local emergency medical services. After retirement, he developed an increased interest in writing. Growing up under the culture and influence of the strong-willed people living in the mountains of East Tennessee has been paramount in his current appreciation for family values and deep sense of patriotism. Charles is currently active in many civic and volunteer agencies in the local area. He is also an active member of The Gideons Intern ational.