Yesterday morning, as every

2/15/07 -- Yesterday morning, as every Valentine's Day morning, my family and I lit a candle for my father, Irving Earl Birdseye, who died on Valentine's Day, 1974 at the age of 54. On one level it is a sad moment for me, and marks the beginning of a sad day. I miss my dad, and am particularly sorry that my children never got to know him, never had the pleasure of his company. But there is a joyous aspect to it all, too. Remembering him is both inspiring and fun. He was a wonderful, compassionate man, who worked hard for social justice. He also had a great laugh, and was capable of a wacky goofiness that still makes me smile. Most importantly, he was a fantastic dad. So I honor him by lighting that candle, then telling a story about him and his life. Through that story, a bit of him lives on, just as the love for him lives on.

Today I worked on another scene from my new novel, STORM MOUNTAIN, which revolves around the loss of two fathers. Coincidence? Nope, I don't think so either.

A belated Happy Valentine's to all of you. May each and every day of your life be filled with many moments of love. May you keep those moments alive through story.