Father's Day

my parents' honeymoon, 1948

Every romance writer comes to it differently. For me, the path was a happy one. I was fortunate enough to have parents who were in love for every one of the 56 years they were married. My father was, is, has always been, my rock, my hero, my biggest supporter--well, after a while, he was one of two.

I married young. None of our friends thought it would work. 34 years later, we still laugh and say we told you so. I still can't believe my luck some days. He's always there for me, and the most supportive spouse a writer could have.

Son's wedding, with granddaughter

So my belief in romance, in happily ever after comes from strong foundations. But the realist in me knows that in life, ever after isn't really forever. I saw that when my mother passed, and now, at 93, my father has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. My ever-supportive husband is busily making a bedroom and bathroom in our house handicap accessible. He never once suggested my father should be anywhere else.

Dad's 90th 2014

And their legacy lives on. With those examples, plus that of my amazing in-laws, I've watched my sons grow to be good, loving, caring men. One is a great father, the other may not choose that route. But love and loyalty are part of their makeup. Even if I might soon have to say goodbye to the first love of my life, I'm still surrounded by love, and I'm one lucky woman.

Dad with great-granddaughter, 2016 (ages 4 & 92)