My father-in-law (I call him “Big John”) is worthy of being a hero in any of my stories.

Big John grew up poor, and with almost every disadvantage. His father died. His mother had three jobs, and left to raise eight children—which basically meant Big John had to raise himself.

And like any great hero, he didn’t wallow in those circumstances, he rose to meet the challenge. He went to school, educated himself, and then enrolled in the army.

After two years as an enlisted soldier, they recommended (and sponsored him) to attend Annapolis, where he went on to become an officer and a gentleman. Not just any officer, but a naval officer with a nuclear engineering degree.

Once he was done with that, he went to law school, graduated law school, and became a partner in a great law firm, still wildly regarded as one of the best.

Big John had 2 great careers.

Raised 3 children.

Had 500 people attend to his retirement party to commemorate all his achievements.

And he loved 1 woman with all his heart.

If those aren’t some amazing life scores, I don’t know what is.

John William Stovall II did wonders with the 79 years life gave him.

For those of you who read my books, Gravekeeper William is based on Big John. A naval officer. A wonderful father. A man who gave more than he ever took.

I hope I’m half the human being he was.

But I guess now it’s his turn rest. But that’s okay—it’s well earned.

Here’s to an amazing human being! A man I loved as though he were my own father.

– Shami