I’ve written three books, and every one is dedicated to the same people: my husband, Danny, and our three daughters. They’re my favorite people in the entire world, and I am always aware of how lucky I am to have such a loving, supportive family.
This is a rare picture of our crew — I’m usually the one behind the camera, but in this instance, a passer-by offered to take a family picture. In it, we’re heading out to chop down our Christmas tree at the same farm we’ve gone to for for ten years. It’s one of our most cherished traditions: the wagon ride into the fields, the careful selection of the perfect tree, cheering on Daddy as he saws away at the trunk, and then our celebratory hot cocoa and doughnuts. (The cocoa is free, but the whipped cream is 25 cents extra. We always splurge.)
It’s rituals like this one — small, personal, and so very precious — that anchor us during the craziest of days, when every member of our family is running in a different direction and both time and tempers run short. This photograph serves the same purpose. It reminds me of what I value most in this world, and why — in part — I write: to let my children see what happens when you combine an incredible dream with hard work and perseverance, and to make my family as proud of me as I am of them.
Editor’s Note: Erica O’Rourke is the author of the young adult novel TANGLED, available now. You can find out more about her at www.ericaorourke.com or follow her on Twitter attwitter.com/@erica_orourke.
