"Love is a choice we make everyday."
Those are the words my then-friend Jacob told me while I was going through tough times in my late 20s. I'd needed an ear, and he was there for me, not judging me for my obvious past mistakes. I was worried at the time that I was incapable of real love, when he told me very plainly that love is not a feeling, but an action, something you give to someone else (and hopefully you receive back in the same form).
And that is why, among a thousand other reasons, I married my lovable nerdball husband. Before dating Jacob, I used to think knights weren't real, but I've since changed my mind. He didn't "save" me so much as change my worldview on how I should treat myself, and in return, how others should treat me. It is through his encouragement that I became a writer, since I'd given that up as an unrealistic goal, along with romantic love. I've never been so happy to be doubly wrong!
The two of us a few years ago on the Oregon Coast. Jacob and I have visited many of the places Ina travels in my Magic of Nasci nature wizard series.
Why am I suddenly giving you background on my marriage? Because Jacob underwent major surgery last week. It was a substantial procedure, but fortunately, everything went exactly as planned. After 5 days in the hospital, he's back home, recovering for the month of May.
Everyone has a COVID-19 story. Dealing with my husband's diagnosis (made in January 2020) just happens to be part of mine. His story is not mine to tell so I can't relay details, but I will say post surgery he has really good odds of improving his quality of life. Even so, I've jokingly told my friends I don't recommend going through medical upheaval during a once-in-a-century pandemic. Navigating health care is difficult in the best of times, but it's insane during a time when the rules are always changing.
Still, even as he spends weeks recovering and we carefully monitor his progress, we're hoping for a brighter future. Whatever your past 12+ months have been like, I hope you have someone stellar in your life like Jacob. Despite all his recent setbacks, he's still the person who loves and encourages me the most. May his signature phrase help you through the most difficult times, as it has for me:
"Love is a choice we make everyday."
As always, I love hearing from readers. Feel free to send me a line about what you're reading, your own words of wisdom, or anything else you'd like to share to [email protected].
May Your TBR Always Be Full
Free Fantasy Books throughout May is a free book promo for all your epic, urban, and magical needs. With 100+ free stories, there's tons to choose from. I recommend Rebecca Chastain's and Kay MacLeod's series starters.
The Deliverer's Destiny is a free YA fantasy following four entangled lives. A timid boy from another world, a princess warrior on the run, a young soldier haunted by duty, and a slave boy with mysterious gifts are brought together to fulfill words spoken long ago: that a Deliverer would come and save them all.
The Sword of Varen is the first book in an exciting new fantasy series. Alongside her mimic dragon, Zuro, Alina joins her covenstead’s witches on a mission to restore their world and hopefully become a full-fledged witch.
Until next time, happy adventuring!
-DM Fike
Legends of Llenwald Portal Fantasy Trilogy
(Available in ebook, paperback, and Kindle Unlimited)
Magic Prophecy (Book 3) Ebook preorder for May 26, 2021
Magic of Nasci Nature Fantasy Adventure Series
(Available in ebook, paperback, and Kindle Unlimited)
Book 6 coming later in 2021!
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