I’ve always wanted to write children’s books. I absolutely never thought I’d write a book for the taller sort, but this one just kind of flew out of me. I wrote it for myself as much as for anyone else, but I want to first thank my readers for giving me a reason to really own the truths in this book. Because of you I walk a bit stronger, remember a bit more clearly just how to grab on to healing hope.
To Britt, you have loved me since I was a teenager. You told me then to never sell myself short, and because of you I have been able to do scary and wonderful things I never thought possible. You are a man of integrity, generous with everything you’ve got, and you still look good. Thank you for listening to me spout a random paragraph here and there, just so I can see you look at me with approval. That must have been exhausting! And don’t worry, by the way. I won’t tell anyone you cry when you read my writing.
To Isaiah, Daisy, and Pheodora Sunshine, you three are the absolute most fabulous kids on the planet. Well, two of you are on the planet, anyway. It’s supereasy to love you. Isaiah, you are beyond. I admire the young man you are becoming: brave, generous, wise, kind, strong, and adventurous. Thanks for being so sweet when I make the same author jokes over and over. Daisy, your bravery on earth will always be astounding to me. You gave me eight of the loveliest years of my life. I can’t wait to see you in heaven. Fifi, you’re a crazy nut job and a total gift. You burst into our lives like a ray of sunshine, and you make us laugh even while the tears fall.
To my mom and dad, you have both let me be who I was made to be, never forcing anything and always loving me. Thank you for making me feel so accepted and encouraged, whether I am writing a book or finger painting with my babies. You’re both pretty cool.
To Al and Terry, my other mom and dad. Thank you for welcoming me into your lives for the last twenty years and loving me like your own. From fly-fishing to flower arranging, you splashed beauty into my life. Thank you for the gift of your son and for the constant outpouring of love.
To all my friends, whether I’ve mentioned you in this book or not, you know who you are. Thank you for following hard after Jesus, for crying with me when it’s time for mourning, and for cracking me up when it’s time for laughter. I can’t believe I get to live this crazy life with such solid women. You all make it that much more fun.
To Leigh Anne, true friend and tough coach. You pushed me to do better, to not give up, to go big or go back to bed. Thank you for your sweet friendship and the hours you spent encouraging me on the phone. Oh, and for all the best sayings ever. Shocking!
To Don, my friend first and agent second. You have shown me so much kindness for so many years now. Thank you for all the therapeutic phone calls, for loving my family, and for knowing I was a writer before I ever did. You and Brenda are truly wonderful. And shout out to Cammy too! Thank you all for loving Daisy.
To Jessica, my editor. You crawled inside my head for many months and helped me shape a bunch of thoughts into a real live book! You read my rough, therapeutic writing and helped me trim some fat (thanks for not judging!). You made this book so much better with your sharp eye. Thank you for seeing the potential, for picking me. I am lucky to work with you, and I value your friendship!
To the team at Thomas Nelson. Thank you for rooting for me. I know you see a lot of proposals and I consider it no small thing to work with you. It’s so fun to have the little house on the spine of my book!
To all who read the Pray for Daisy blog and loved our family through Daisy’s fight for life. I am so moved by your kindness, faithful prayers, generosity, and all-around encouragement. You have been the hands and feet of Jesus to a suffering family. Thank you for loving a little girl into heaven and loving her family through sorrow.
And to Jesus. Because of you I have life, courage, love, freedom, joy, and strength. You are a dream come true. Thank you for being my friend, even while I was your enemy.