I’m beyond grateful that my manuscript found its way to Wernick & Pratt and my agent, Emily Mitchell, whose keen insights, attention to detail, and endless commitment helped make this novel possible. Additional thanks to Charlesbridge and my editor, Monica Perez, for her comments, suggestions, and guidance in seeing this project to completion. Finally, thanks to my copyeditor, Lara Stelmaszyk, for an impeccable eye for detail as well as her astute suggestions.
Thanks also to my colleague and friend Mark Burpee, for being a patient sounding board and for providing feedback, laughs, and encouragement.
Additional gratitude goes to coaches, friends, and teammates—Coach Brusca, Coach Lockerbie, Coach Fox, Curtis, Ted, Dave R., George, McGowan, Jim, and many others I’ve pounded the roads, trails, and track with over the years. Your collective camaraderie, wisdom, guidance, and experiences provided a treasure of memories to draw from when I was writing this story.
Finally, my family—Mom, Dad, Marian, Michelle, Teresa, Jim, and Sue. Thank you for the support, opportunities, and humor and for sharing the experience of being blessed by Chris.
Last, my most heartfelt thanks to my wife, Dana. No words can express my appreciation for her love and unwavering support. Thank you for putting pencil and paper in my hand and continually encouraging me to just write it down.