It is my desire in the pages of this memoir to express my deep and sincere gratitude to so many people who have reached out to me with caring, encouragement, and kindness in the various chapters of my life. Many of these individuals are highlighted in this book; they are indelibly engrained in my memory.

Above all, I reserve the most resounding shouts of praise and thanksgiving to the loving and almighty God, my Creator and Sustainer, who has stayed by my side each moment of my life, whether I have realized it or not, not allowing me to drift too far from Him, always lifting me up when I have fallen or become discouraged, charting a wonderful course for me to follow, and giving my life meaning and purpose ... and my Savior Jesus Christ, who has forgiven my sins and given me the promise of abundant life in this world and eternal life in the next.