Welcome everyone

My name is Anne Marie Romer and I’ve lived in the Dayton, Ohio area for most of my life. I am married to my high school sweetheart, Mark. We’ve been married for 41 years, and have 4 adult children who are growing families of their own. The best part about the fruits of our life together is that I am now a “Nona” to 10 energetic grandchildren.

I write about a spectrum of experiences. From the bliss of grandparenthood to the sorrows of loss, I articulate the language of the heart in a way which binds the human experience. I write often about the loss of my two brothers, Pat and Neil, to suicide in hopes that the stigma and epidemic of suicide can be eradicated. I’ve become involved in local suicide prevention programs designed to expand the conversation. Despite our family’s profound loss, I believe that good can rise from even the darkest days.

I write about being a mom, a grandmother, a sister, a daughter to elderly parents, and the navigation of my own trek through the lovely world of middle age. Perhaps most poignant, I write about those serendipitous moments of delight which, when noticed, can change the trajectory of a day. I’m a weekly columnist for the Dayton Daily News. My essays touch many. Even a trip to the grocery store often includes someone stopping me to say, “I loved your article.”

I’m very excited about the anticipation of publication of my first book entitled, Just Give Me the Road. This is a story about my sister, Kathy and our sisterhood. Born from a fractured childhood, Kathy and I learned of the strength offered by our sister bond. The book is about Kathy’s challenge to navigate her son’s recovery from a random and catastrophic traumatic brain injury. Her perseverance of grit and determination will provide inspiration to others who find themselves propelled by life’s unwelcome circumstances. Our story will leave you feeling renewed and hopeful.

I recently retired after a 35-year nursing career. I’ve banked those sacred stories of connection between healer and the one in need. You’d be surprised how often I was the one being healed. I write about it all. There’s a hummingbird that likes to dance with the flowers just outside my kitchen window. Every time I see the carrier of fleeting joy, I’m stilled. I hope you will join me as we support one another in this big beautiful thing we call life.