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Monday, June 21, 2010

A Man of Inspiration

Hello my fellow romance fans! I am so glad to be here today and I hope that I am able to provide you with a great blog post. This is my first post with Romance Books "R" Us and I will continue to be here every 21st of the month. So let’s begin!

With Father’s Day being yesterday, I wanted to pay a little tribute to the dads out there.

Now, I know that everyone has a "father", but it takes someone special to be a "dad". Not all of us are fortunate enough to have those kind of men in our lives, and for that, my heart goes out to you.

But today, I want to give thanks to those dads who stuck around when the going got tough. Those who were there day in and day out, teaching us what it meant to be a good person toward others. Those who showed by example what it means to be steadfast and loyal. Those who were loving and respectful to all the women in their lives. And above all, those who were there with strong, open arms when we needed that formidable, protective embrace.

That is what real dads do. And on this day, and I want to give those dads my gratitude and respect for the hard work and dedication they put forth for their children. Specifically, my own dad.

In 2005, my little sister died in a tragic car accident on her way to college. I remember the drive to the hospital being incredibly long, though it was only about twenty minutes away. And the first person I saw standing outside the hospital was my dad. I was the oldest of his children, and the last to arrive as I had the longest drive to get there. He was waiting for me and the moment I stepped out of the car, he told me the terrible news. My legs buckled and I could no longer stand.

My dad, being the amazing man that he is, picked me up (a thirty-three year old woman at the time) and carried me in his arms. He held me with such strength and love, despite that his own sorrow was probably greater than mine. He allowed me the time to grieve, to cry in his arms, even as he, himself, was mourning the loss of his youngest daughter.

Looking back, the strength my dad had at that moment astounds me. He was the solid ground we needed when our world had been turned upside down. He was the sturdy shoulder we cried on when we were too weak to stand on our own feet. He was the supportive parent when we, the lost children, needed guidance and encouragement. And to this day, my dad is still all of that and more. He is the very backbone of our family.

So, what does this have to do with romance? Everything.

My parents will be celebrating their fortieth wedding anniversary this September and to me, that is a real life romance story. My dad loves my mother more now than he ever did, and to see them together, is absolutely heartwarming. He may not know it, but my dad is my role model for writing sensual, love-never-dies romance.

He’s strong, loyal, and dedicated. And is that not what we want our heroes to be when we read (and write) romance?

So tell me. Who else has an amazing dad? A dad who is not afraid to go the extra mile for his children. A dad who has supported you in the most profound way. A dad who is your inspiration…please share your story. I’d love to hear about him.

Happy reading everyone, and I’ll see you all next month!


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12 comments:

Virginia C said...

Hi, Renee! Thank you for sharing your beautiful story and photos. I am sorry for the tragedy that your family endured. I am glad that you all have a strong support system.

I only met my dad twice in my life. My mom and I always lived with her parents. I was a "Paw Paw's girl", and I went everywhere with my grandfather, even to the barber shop! He liked short neat hair on everyone, even me, so he had my hair cut when he went to the barber! People would say to him, "What a cute little boy!", and I would answer back: "I'm not a little boy, I'm a little girl!"

There is a black and white portrait of me taken shortly after one of my haircuts. I have on a lace-trimmed dress, white tights, black patent leather shoes and a bracelet...with my boy haircut. The photographer did the best he could, but I wouldn't crack a smile. Mom never liked that picture, but it's one of my favorites : )

My grandfather was the best male role model that I could have, and he left big shoes for anyone to fill. He was not overly demonstrative, but you just understood that he cared. Rather than putting his love into words, he showed it by being a wonderful provider and protector. I was only nineteen when he died, and I miss him more every day. I'll always be "Paw Paw's girl"!

Tina Donahue said...

Sorry for your terrible loss, Renee - and I'm so glad you have the kind of father you need. He sounds like a wonderful man.

As to your book - I just love the cover, it's so romantic. May you have terrific sales. :)

Katalina Leon said...

Renee thank you for sharing this sad but also very beautiful story with us. Your dad sounds terrific.
XXOO Kat

Renee Vincent said...

Virginia: Your "Paw Paw" sounds absolutely endearing! And I can see why you'd consider that picture of you a favorite. I am very sorry that he is no longer physically present in your life, but know that no one can take those great memories from you. They are part of his legacy and I am honored that you would share them with me. Thanks so much Virginia.

Renee Vincent said...

Tina: Thank you so much for the compliment on the cover. I, too, am so pleased. It's release date is August 20th...it can't come soon enough for me.

Katalina: Thanks for stopping by and for your sweet comments.

Maddie James said...

Renee, what a role model you have, for all of your heroes. Again, I am in tears as I read more about your sister's story, and in awe of your strength. Thanks for sharing.

April Ash said...

What a wonderful role model and supportive man your father is! I always felt like my Dad was the backbone of the family; the strong, yet silent man who "grounded" his three kids with showing us the realities of life while allowing us to seek our dreams.
Our romance heroes need all these qualities.
Marianne/April

Renee Vincent said...

Maddie: I would love for you to meet my father. He is truly an amazing man! Thanks for paying me a visit here.

April: I love to hear others' stories of fathers being take-charge kind of men who never fail to allow their children a necessary pursuit of independence, but are there when the journey becomes rocky. That they know when to step in and when to let things run their course.
I'm glad you have that kind of man in your life.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. I am grateful!

Paris said...

Hi Renee!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful dad with us. I can see where he would make an excellent model for your heroes.

BTW, great cover! Wishing you many sales:-)

Gina Ardito aka Katherine Brandon said...

What a beautiful tribute, Renee. I'm so sorry for your loss. My father-in-law was that kind of Dad. While I came into the family as a daughter-in-law, he and my mother-in-law always treated me as a daughter. If I called for help for a house issue, he'd drop everything for me. I remember one icy January night when my husband was away on business and a pipe burst outside my house. One phone call to Dad and there he was, wrench in one hand--flashlight in the other, working on some outside valve that was pouring out cold water in 10 degree weather. He passed away last November and there are still so many times something reminds me of him and I want to pick up the phone. But then it hits me that he's gone.
Thanks for an inspiring tribute to the mostly unsung heroes in our lives!

Renee Vincent said...

Thank you so much Paris! You are too kind!

Renee Vincent said...

Gina, I loved your story about your father-in-law. What a great man indeed! Of course, you'd expect your own blood father to do those things, but for the FIL to drop what he was doing and come to you in freezing weather, it's downright selfless and honorable.

And I, too, am so sorry for your loss. Since it was very recent, I completely understand how you make the move to call him, and then remember he is gone. So many times I would have an urge to call my sister and then hang my head in utter disappointment thereafter.

Rest assured, it will not be the last time you move to call your father in law. But know in time, it will get easier, and the pain will not be so great. The longing to see him will increase however, but the pain will lessen.

I wish you the best as your heart heals during this difficult time.

Thanks for sharing your beautiful story with me.

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