The Influence of True Love
My name is Mac and I’m a survivor. One of eight kids – yeah, I said eight – I was raised in a middle-class, Irish Catholic household. I’m also the author of several romance novels. So, how does a chick from a middle-class, Catholic upbringing end up writing romance, you ask? Simple. I had a front row seat to a world class love story from the day I was born.
I admit to not always appreciating the experience. I mean, can you imagine how embarrassing it is to a teenager to witness her father patting mom’s ass in appreciation as she passes by him in the kitchen? Gross! But as a grown woman, the memory of the sparks that flew between the two of them, well into their golden years, reinforces my belief in true love. And where true love exists, it can’t be contained in the souls of two. It spills out to enrich the lives of others like a living force. I can attest to the fact that it spilled out to me and my siblings, but it also touched others, like the local florist in my parents’ town.
Every year, a few days before my parents’ wedding anniversary, Dad would stop by her shop. A jovial man, who referred to himself as the fat Irishman with eight kids, he lived his days with humor and hope, and made friends wherever he went. The florist was no exception. Like his yearly order of carnations (Mom’s choice. She’s a pragmatic woman. Carnations last – and they’re cheap) the conversation went pretty much the same way every time. “I need some flowers for Whats-her-name,” he’d say. The florist would laugh and hand over a tiny card on which he would pen a cheesy poem beginning with Roses are Red, Violets are Blue. I can’t tell you how his many poems ended, especially not the ones that made Mom blush, before she tucked the card in her dresser drawer.
Fast forward to 2004. We lost Dad on a clear July day. He didn’t make the trip to the florist’s shop that year, and yet, several months later, on the morning of September 25th (yes, today would have been their 58th anniversary) a clutch of carnations arrived at Mom’s door with a simple card that read: “To Whats-her-name.”
You see, true love not only exists, it doesn’t die. It lives on in the hearts of those it touches. It also reaches out to those in need. My dad was an incredible man and I expect, the best soul I’ll ever have had the privilege to meet as I walk this world. He understood the power of love and his door was forever thrown open to those in need. I like to think he’d approve of my story of humor and hope, and my attempt to lesson the fear of those facing breast cancer, as it was his loving example that led to the writing of Where Would You Like Your Nipple?
What about you? Do you believe in true love? And more importantly, have you witnessed its positive influence, spilling over your life?
Where Would You Like Your Nipple? Available at Amazon
Find Mac at Mackenziecrowne.com Facebook and Twitter
***GIVEAWAY ALERT***
Be sure to leave a comment Mac’s giving away an ecopy of her book, Where Would You Like Your Nipple?
lusciousliteraries.wordpress.com 
Oh, see now Mac, you’ve made me cry! What a beautiful story. Thanks for the post….
Wow this was beautiful. I loved this. Thank you for the post. It’s a great pick me up! Nice to see there is still true love around and that someone grew up with it.
LOL Liv. Dad was as quick to shed an emotional tear as he was to deliver a laugh, so you’re in good company.
You are so right, Nikki. My sibs and I all understand how lucky we are to have been born to such and amazing couple.
Well, darn. I forgot to mention I’ll be giving away an e-copy to one of you lovely visitors. There, now I feel better. 😉
Why didn’t you give a “tissue alert” at the beginning of your post? Loved it…simply loved it. What a fortunate woman your mom was, and you kids, too. Did I say I loved this post? Oh, I’ve already got my copy. Great read, ladies. A great gift for anyone you know facing this terrible disease. I have a mammogram scheduled tomorrow. Ladies when was your last boob tor…er…mammogram?
Way to go, Vonnie. Take care of those girls and they’ll take care of you – not to mention a certain hotty hubby.
Crying is healthy…right? I did not grow up with the influence you did, Mac. Mostly just the opposite until my parents divorced in -76. But my dad never stopped loving my mom and took her untimely death in ’84 the hardest. I think he secretly hoped some day he’d have her back, until her death canceled those chances out. I feel like he gave up after she was gone, for he followed her in ’88. But we kids knew they both loved us. There was no question in that blessing.
Got the girls squished just this morning, Vonnie. 😆
I know I have a copy of sorts, Mac- have read it (at least) four times- but my copy has red all over and no cover, so…
Yup, made me cry, too. What a beautiful story, Mac. I’m afraid I didn’t grow up with the same influence either. My parents divorced when I was little and I never saw my father again, sadly. But I do believe in true love, and I’ve somehow managed to find it. I haven’t had my first mammogram yet. I need to go schedule one.
Beautiful story. I recently lost my father, and I miss him so much. He worshipped the ground my mother walked on. Thanks for reminding me of that strong bond they had.
Such an amazing story , Reminded me that Dreams are still worth having and I believe somewhere there is a true love for me , We just are not ment to meet Yet . Thank you for sharing did my heart good . And reminded me that my mammagram Was booked at the right time .
LOL Calisa. I have that same red copy. 😉
What a beautiful and amazing story!! Thanks for the reminder. I’m do for my mammogram.
Make that call, Karen. The girls and you will be glad you did.
Good girl, Joanne. The ta tas need your attention!
I guess the tears are catching because you brought a tear to my eye, Rebecca. I know exactly how you feel. I still feel Dad’s loss but the memories he left behind are sweet.
You go girl. Never give up on finding true love, Dora-Lee. It’s magical and will find you in its time. And I’m so glad your mammo was booked at the right time. A clean mammo rocks but early detection saves lives!
As I read that I pictured my parents. My father died in 2005 three months before their fiftieth wedding anniversary. He always called my mother his black barbie doll. At 72 he still held her door open for her and went with her for her mammograms. Now my brothers take her in dad’s place. True love is very powerful to be around.
Great post.
I love it, Cora. Your dad sounds like he was a hoot, just like mine. I agree, true love has to be one of the most powerful forces on earth, and isn’t it cool that such a power is such a pleasure to be around?
When people ask why I write romance, I almost want to answer… how can I not. 🙂
Cora Blu
Mac, another sweet and loving story! Thank you for sharing it. ❤
My pleasure, Leeta. Reliving the memories are the next best thing to hugs from Dad.
Lovely story. Thanks for sharing.
You’re very welcome, bn100. Thanks for stopping in.
Thanks Lynn, for hosting me and to all of you who stopped by. Now, for the winner of the e-copy of Where Would You Like Your Nipple? … *reaching into the chemo hat ;-)* And the winner is, livrancourt! Congratulations, Liv!