My mom says I’ve been reading since the age of two. I don’t know if she’s bragging, but I do know that my most vivid childhood memories include weekly trips to my neighborhood library. I was always hoping to find books by my favorite authors that I hadn’t already read. I wanted to browse, and touch, and refill my bookcase at home—again and again. Some folks need a full pantry. Others need a big bank account. But I need a full bookcase in order to feel rich!

The thrill continued as I grew older and started to buy my own books. I’ve never stopped buying. My husband says we need a wall-stretcher to accommodate our own library. The shelves in my home are filled with books of every kind: cookbooks, biographies, natural sciences, science fiction, reference, thrillers and mysteries. Most of the shelves, however, are lined with romance novels.

Why romance? Maybe because I relish the happy ending, the hope for the future. Maybe because I get to ride the roller coaster with the hero and heroine as they fall in love—despite their original intentions—and discover what’s truly important. Maybe I choose romance because romance fiction, more than any other genre, is about people. It’s about women making choices and becoming empowered by their own decisions. Or maybe I choose romance because my own life is filled with heroes and heroines.

Topping my list of true-blue heroes is my husband, Michael. I call him my knight in shining tin foil, but with every anniversary we celebrate, his tin foil seems more like good old-fashioned armor--durable and strong. And at no time was it stronger than when he stood at my side during my bout with breast cancer. Following right behind their dad are three fabulous young men—my sons, Andrew, David and Richard. Each one is uniquely qualified for hero status with loving hearts and honorable souls.

In March 2002, Mike and I welcomed our first daughter-in-law to the family. Pauline and Andy made a gorgeous couple as they shared vows beneath a clear blue sky next to the waters of Tampa Bay. We also welcomed young Aaron as our ready-made five-year-old grandson.

Exactly one year later, Mike and I were thrilled with the birth of Aaron’s sister, Elizabeth Rose Barrett. She weighed in at 7 pounds 3 ounces and had a full head of hair. Grandpa took one look at her and fell in love on the spot. We spent a week getting to know her, and I cried when we had to leave. So now I carry pictures everywhere.

Suddenly, Elizabeth was one year old! It only took a minute. We all celebrated her first birthday together.Nothing beats the joy of grandparenthood!

The family celebrated more happy times when my son Rick married his wonderful Sandra in 2005. Click here for photos.

One son still looks forward to the greatest adventure of all. I’ll keep you posted!

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