Deborah Dulworth – Real Life Romance – Part 1 of 1

Shannon here: Deborah Dulworth shares insight into her real life romance plus a chance to win a pdf e-copy of Come Next Winter, which is book one in the Seasons of Changes series with her co-author, Linda Hanna. Comment or answer the question at the end of any post dated Aug 28 – 31 to enter the drawing. Deadline Sept 8th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Deborah:

My Extraordinary Man

When I met Ray Dulworth, I learned a lot about his past that revealed his tenderness and caring. His mother was dear to him. He felt he had to protect her at times. Ray remembered that in his childhood, his mom would send him into town to bring his dad home.

At an early age, Ray and his father were hired by farmers to work their fields. One of his stories was about him pruning a man’s grapevines without receiving any instructions! The severe cutting, and delayed grape production ended his job with that farmer.

Ray also worked as a milkman in their small area. He delivered dairy products to homes in the area, entering the kitchens and placing the required items into their refrigerators. Despite the truck breakdowns and vicious dog attacks, he enjoyed this work.

Another thing I learned was that Ray had injured his back while working at a factory a few years before we were married. He’d had several kinds of medications and treatments to reduce the pain. Surgery was not advised for fear of damaging his spinal cord even more.

His main past-time was playing golf. Eventually his symptoms worsened and he had to retire his clubs to the storage barn. There were times he’d try his putter in the back yard, then be disappointed that he wasn’t unable to get in a good swing.

One of Ray’s golfing partners passed away, then the other moved from our area, so my husband’s recreation time was shortened even more. It was difficult to give up his favorite and only sport. When we made trips out of town to shop and eat, he continued to look at new golf clubs, compare prices and take a few swings with them.

Even though he struggled with his back, he never missed our daughter’s functions at church or school. Without complaint, Ray sat in bleachers to give our son audience during the football and basketball seasons. We took long trips in the car to take our daughter to work at a Children’s summer camp in Michigan.

In the winter months, he took up reading mysteries, history of World War II, and also Civil War books. Being a writer, I loved when he would tell about how the generals’ personalities would help or hinder situations during their service.

After retiring from work, Ray took a job as security guard and still tried swinging his putter at times. He was continually helping Mom with her prescriptions, chasing down coupon items at the grocery, and running her errands in addition to ours.

One summer we took a vacation to Michigan. It wasn’t until we were on the way home, I felt pain in my right ear. The doctor treated me for an ear infection, but I ended up with chronic and continual dizziness. I’d seen several doctors, went through tests and treatments, and tried the medications and therapy. There was no improvement. However, riding in a moving car did relieve the nausea and the sensation of being off balance.

So our little family would take a day-away trip once or twice a year. The last time we went to Michigan, the drive was too much for Ray’s back. He wasn’t able to do any walking due to the pain, so we turned around and I drove home. The next morning, he had difficulty getting out of bed. His situation improved a bit after chiropractic help, but it was necessary to go back regularly for more adjustments.

As time went on, my frustration with dizziness grew more pronounced. Though, Ray was still struggling with back pain, he suggested buying a van and travel so I could have a break from my constant vertigo.

With all the many things he had done for everyone else, this selfless act brought more love and respect for my husband when I didn’t think it was possible.

About Deborah: The writing team of Hanna and Dulworth deliver a story full of love and faith, and sprinkled with touches of humor that will have you wondering whether to laugh or cry. Their first novel in the Seasons of Change series, Come Next Winter, released in 2016. Linda and Debbie love to share uplifting messages of faith, family, and love. Their hope is to inspire and encourage readers on their own spiritual journey. Though their paths have unexpected twists and turns, they cling unswervingly to their faith and God continues to bless.

About the book – 3 in SEASONS OF CHANGE, The Call of Indian Summer: 

Will their struggles and personal doubts overpower the prospect of love and loyalty?

Recently widowed Sue North leaves her stately Vermont home to work with her daughter and son-in-law caring for orphans near Apache Pointe, Arizona. The last thing Sue wants in her peaceful new life is to catch the eye of another man. But then, in one jaw-dropping moment, suave attorney, Brian Campton, saunters into her path. After dealing with her husband’s abuse, can she find the courage or desire to begin a relationship with someone as serious-minded as Brian?

Meanwhile, Stuart Drake, the handsome survivor of a loveless marriage, is on the lam from the dogged church ladies keen on his availability. He chooses the tuck-tail-and-run method to guard his battered soul, all the while yearning for affection he’s never known. Has finding the joy of a shared love eluded him? Enter Sue North. Stuart finds himself tripping over his heart. She’s beautiful, vibrant, and . . . too young. The age gap haunts him. Can he compete with the flirtatious lawyer’s money and sophistication?

The Call of Indian Summer will lure you into the struggles and personal doubts which challenge the prospect of love and loyalty.

Question for Readers: Has a loved one done something selfless for you? Or have you done something selfless for a loved one? Share with us.

Come back Sept 4th for Kelly Irvin!