Welcome everyone

My name is Anne Marie Romer and I’ve lived in Dayton, Ohio for most of my life. I am married to my high school sweetheart, Mark. We’ve been married for 42 years, and have 4 children who are growing families of their own. The best part about our life together is that I am now a “Nona” to 10 energetic grandchildren. We have two more on the way which makes me feel giddy.

My book, Just Give Me the Road is a story about sisterhood, the coexistence of sorrow with triumph, and what the stretch of hope looks and feels like. Born from an imperfect childhood, Kathy and I learned of the strength offered by our sister bond. My 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’m a weekly columnist for the Dayton Daily News. 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 can change the trajectory of a day. My essays touch many. Even a trip to the grocery store often includes someone stopping me to say, “I loved your article.”