NOTE

The “dark time” in the Dedication refers to the year 2001 when my life was interrupted by medical emergencies. This book is dedicated to the excellent medical and rehabilitation teams, the doctors and nurses, and the vital volunteers, of Toronto’s St. Michael’s Hospital and Bridgepoint Hospital.

The book is further dedicated to the friends and family members who stood by me and rallied my spirit and to the communities of Humber College and the Humber School for Writers who kept in touch during those four months—all of you contributed to my eventual recovery. Many should be named, but I resist for fear that I might, inadvertently, leave out someone who mattered.

And, not least, this book is dedicated to Wayson Michael Lowe, to Quinn Roy and Tessa Hill, to Kathryn Schweishelm, to Tosh and Gary Noseworthy, and to their loyal and affectionate families.

Please know that your love and generous actions have deepened the moral fabric and themes of All That Matters.