Sunday, we celebrated the fathers in our lives. While I try to celebrate and appreciate my father everyday, something about having a specific day for him caused me to really contemplate both my father, my grandfathers who have passed on, and how they have affected my life.
I have always been a daddy’s girl. When I was little, I couldn’t fall asleep without my dad cuddling me. When he came home from work, I would run to the garage to hug him before he even had a chance to walk in the house. When he was on dialysis, and he left early in the morning, I would wander out behind him, despite never being a morning person. He eventually decided it would be better to come wake me up himself, give me a hug goodbye, and put me in bed with my mom. Those small moments may not have seemed like much at the time, but had things not gone well, and one of those mornings at Dialysis things took a fatal turn, I would have had one last memory of my dad giving me a hug, telling me he loved me, and making sure I was safe. Does he have his foibles, sure, but I wouldn’t trade my dad for anyone else, because he is the perfect dad for me.
In February, we lost my paternal grandfather. As I wrote his obituary, and watched as his children shared memories of their father, I not only got to know my grandfather better, but I discovered that some of my fathers best traits came from his dad. I know my grandfather because I know my father, and in this case, that is a complement. I have actually been blessed with quite a few great father figures in my life, between my grandfathers, my great uncle, my uncles, and my own father.
Unfortunately, in this world now, we rarely see examples of good fathers in the media. We are bombarded time and time again with examples of the worst people out there, and slowly we begin to think that those evil people are the norm, not the exception. This is even more true in Young Adult Literature, where all too often, the parents of the main characters or their friends are human beings that are despicable, or the main character comes from a broken home. As a Young Adult author myself, I know that using a broken home, or parents that are absent, can be a great way to solve the dilemma of “why can’t they go to an adult to help them solve their problem.”
I won’t be so naive to say that it isn’t a problem in the world. I know it is. But more often than not, our parents only want to see the best for us, and they do everything they can to see us succeed, and celebrate us when we do. There was a period of time where I thought my dad hated me, and I felt like the largest failure, because it seemed my dad was always pointing out ways I could be better. At the time, he would tell me he loved me, but my angry mind wouldn't believe him. Now that I have slowly learned from him, and have moved out on my own, he periodically sends me texts that let me know he loves me, he wants to see me more often, and that he is pleased with the young woman I have become. There is nothing that could bring me to tears faster than a text from my dad on fathers day telling me he is pleased he has the honor of being my father, aside from the text asking me to write my grandfather's obituary.
I think because I have always been so close to my father, I decided to honor him by making sure I had awesome father figures in my books, despite the challenges it causes in writing when I have to decide why my characters can’t go to their parents with their issues. One of those awesome father characters is Michael Feilds in Royal Beginnings.
In many ways, I think Michael could have his own story. From the time he met Ally Hall, married her, and they had Kate, Michael only ever does what he feels is best for the kids in his life. That fatherly instinct does not waver when he is told he has another daughter, nor does it change when Alyx comes to visit, even though he is only her uncle. His love is constant, and his choices are always made with the girls' safety in mind. Do the girls recognize that? No. They’re teenagers. As much as I love and respect my father, I spent most of my teenaged years thinking my dad was wrong, and being embarrassed, and not wanting to admit it when I realized he was right. That’s part of adolescence.
Sunday, I thought about all of the father figures in my books. Michael is just the first of many. Dylan Hall is also a father, and despite his questionable decisions in Royal Beginnings, he too is motivated by providing safety to his children and nieces. Soon, you will meet Neil McLean. Alyx and her father have a very special relationship, and I can’t wait for y’all to get to know him.
Five years ago (in March—I know I’m a little late), Royal Beginnings entered the world, and I introduced you to some awesome characters. I am pleased to announce a special 5-year anniversary hardcover edition will meet the world on August 3rd 2021. Published by Battalion Press, this edition will include not only the bonus scene as promised and hinted at last year, but also a sneak peak at the first book in the Promgen files, which happens to be the long awaited continuation of Alyx McLean’s story. Stay tuned for details on those preorders.
If your father is still alive, make sure they know you love them. I doubt there is a moment we are far from their minds. And if, like my grandfathers, they have passed on, share their memory with someone. Good men need to be honored and remembered. Our future fathers will be better for it.
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