A Promise Kept: Promise: Struggling Is Finally Here
Yesterday marked the beginning of an incredible journey. In this first blog post, I share why Promise: Struggling means so much to me, the heart behind the trilogy, and my hope that Peter's story will inspire readers to see the lasting impact adults have on the lives of children.
Yesterday was more than a book launch.
It was the fulfillment of a promise.
For years, Promise: Struggling existed only as memories, handwritten notes, scattered ideas, and quiet conversations with myself. There were times I wondered if the story would ever find its way onto the page. There were moments when it felt easier to leave it untold.
But some stories refuse to stay silent.
Promise: Struggling is the first book in The Promise Trilogy. At its heart is Peter, an eleven-year-old boy whose life changes forever after making a promise to his dying mother. Believing the promise will last only two weeks, Peter instead discovers that it will shape the course of his entire life.
Although Peter's journey is deeply personal, the questions it asks are universal.
How much do the words of adults matter to the children listening?
What happens when a child is forced to grow up too soon?
Can hope survive in the middle of heartbreak?
And can love still flourish after unimaginable loss?
One of the reasons I felt compelled to write this trilogy is because I believe we often underestimate the impact we have on children. People frequently say that children are resilient. Many are. But resilience is not something we should ever take for granted. Every child experiences love, loss, encouragement, rejection, kindness, and silence differently. The things we say—and the things we fail to say—can remain with them for decades.
Peter's story is not meant to provide easy answers. It is meant to invite us to look more carefully, listen more closely, and remember that every child deserves to be seen, heard, and valued.
If Promise: Struggling causes even one parent, grandparent, teacher, mentor, or friend to pause before speaking—or to choose encouragement when a child needs it most—then this story has already accomplished more than I could have hoped.
To everyone who has supported this journey, offered encouragement, believed in this story, or simply chosen to read it...
Thank you.
I hope Peter's journey stays with you long after you turn the final page.
Welcome to The Promise Trilogy.
— Steve Bull-Fretwell