Meet the fam

June 3, 2016

There is rarely anything we do that we do alone. Meaning, by ourselves, in a vacuum, without it touching others. Now writing is a solitary career. I sit in front of a computer and let my characters lead me on an adventure. I’m able, for a few minutes or hours (if I’m lucky), to leave my world each day and enter another one. I leave my problems, my worries, my fears and wander around, looking at new people and visiting new places. They come alive and I enjoy each and every one of my visits. It’s a wonderful career. And then I close my word document and return to reality.

The real world is still waiting for me. It hasn’t left. It’s been quiet for a little while, but it’s always right there. And in my real world there are three of the greatest people I know. They have been on this journey from the beginning. They believe in me, they support me. I’d like you to meet them. Now because this is my dream and not necessarily theirs, I won’t use their names. They support me in this endeavor, but they didn’t choose it. So they’ve asked me not to and I will honor their request.

Meet my HH (handsome husband). We just celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary this year. It’s hard to believe that we’ve been together that long. The days and weeks, months and years seemed to just fly by. There have been some hard times, the birth of our first daughter leaps to mind, but I don’t think I could do this life without him. He is my hero. He slays my dragons and fights my battles (when I let him). There is something so wonderful and comforting knowing he’s in my corner. He has spoiled me with his unfailing love. No wonder I write romance, I’ve been living a real life version.

Now this beautiful lady is my BD1 (beautiful daughter #1). She has been an inspiration to me since she drew her first breath. Maybe even before that. I call her my Lazarus, for she did die and was brought back to life. She is special and unique. When my days are hard, and life seems to be kicking me around, I see her and she brings me balance. She reminds me of what is truly important. She is disabled, but she has so much joy and light and laughter that it overflows from her. She had a wicked sense of humor and she’s a jokester and a tease. Her biggest worry in life is do we have chocolate pudding and orange juice. How could I not learn a million lessons from her…and I have.

And finally, let me introduce BD2 (beautiful daughter #2). When I was pregnant with her, I remember asking God to give us the best child we could have for our crazy little family and He gave me her. She is one of the most amazing people I know. I find myself watching her, in awe of how she sees life and moves through it. She’s one of those people that have a wise soul. She has a view on life not often gained until late in life. She is compassionate and joyful and, oh, so dear to me. While BD1 is my Lazarus, BD2 is my Isaac. She has fulfilled all the promises. While BD1’s birth was pain and trauma and terror, BD2 was easy and wondrous. Her sweet presence in my life has been a healing balm over my heart. I’ve told her that she makes my heart smile. And she does.

I am truly blessed to the core of my being with an amazing husband and two beautiful daughters. Looking back over my life so far, I can honestly say, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Blessings,

Melanie