Remembering Patrick Swayze

I was saddened to learn of Patrick Swayze’s passing today. Like my beloved mother -- who died 11 years ago this month -- he lost his heroic battle with cancer at the terribly young of age 57.

Patrick was as adored offscreen as he was for his iconic movie roles

Like countless movie fans around the world, I fell in love with Patrick for his iconic roles in “Ghost” and “Dirty Dancing.” It’s no exaggeration to say that I’ve probably seen “Dirty Dancing” about 80 times, marveling each time at the soulful sweetness he breathed into the character of Johnny Castle -- and of course, his flawless dance moves.

Dirty Dancing: Baby wasn't the only one whose heart Patrick stole in this beloved film

Offscreen, Patrick was known for being a true gentleman and for his enduring 34-year marriage to wife Lisa Niemi. In an industry where relationships rarely last beyond the next tabloid cycle, theirs was a true love affair that stood the test of time.

Patrick’s talent and courageous and noble spirit will never be forgotten. May he dance into eternity and rest in peace.

By The Numbers: Honeymoon Period Edition

When it comes to relationships, there’s nothing quite like the honeymoon period – that time when you’re first falling in love. Everything is new, every moment endowed with anticipation and a sense of discovery.

I’ve been fortunate to experience that blissful high a handful of times, with boyfriends who knew more than a thing or two about romance. Here are some of the standout moments from my ‘honeymoons’ with past beaus – By The Numbers:

Number of days preceding earliest utterance of 'I love you' from a guy: 5

Number of weeks preceding first romantic getaway (to Mystic, CT) with Match.com boyfriend: 6
Number of dates preceding quickest reference to the possibility of marriage: 1
Number of five-month anniversaries celebrated with five dozen (!) roses: 1

Number of candlelit dances before leaving Illinois and returning to NYC: 1

That dance was my first with then-beau Steve, the man who brought love and passion back into my life after a long and often lonely year as a TV reporter in the Midwest.

Dirty Dancing: This 1987 sleeper hit with Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey set the mood for my first kiss with Steve

It seemed fitting that we tripped the light fantastic together – “Dirty Dancing” had set the mood for our first kiss. Much like the first time I watched the 1987 movie classic, I remember it well.

Coming up…Australia the movie’s splashy NYC premiere and a friend’s playwriting debut.