First and foremost, all my love to the Universe for continuing to guide me. For always carrying me through this wild journey of life by bringing in those shining lights that I needed at just the right time, some of which are listed here.
To everyone who helped make this book possible: my literary agent, Dan Strone at Trident Media Group, and to my editor, Ben Schafer, and everyone at Hachette Books. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my story.
To Chuck James, for seeing something in me that I never saw in myself and working tirelessly to build it while supporting me so incredibly in my personal life.
To Oren Segal, my extraordinary manager and brother-from-another. Without you, I never would have met Todd Gold, who urged me to take on this project—one of the biggest of my life. Thank you for always having my best interest in mind and encouraging me to write my truth.
To my friends—my “family,” who carried me through every dark night, and who stood by and supported me unconditionally: Jennie, Nicole, Stephanie, Gabby, Tracy, Sigal, and Suzanne. And those not mentioned in these chapters, who helped me believe that the work on this book would be meaningful: Jana “Shirls,” Elana, Elisa, Sara, Bobby, Nola, Jen, Allyson, Phyllis, and Brevi. Thank you.
To my blood—my mother and father, for giving me life, and my brothers who shared childhood with me, guiding and supporting me as best they could. Thank you for showing love and putting in the effort to help me succeed.
And lastly but most importantly, to my husband, Michael—my Hope, the one who brought new life into my existence. You showed me what could be possible for me in finally finding happiness. And you helped bring our beautiful angel, Christopher, into our lives. I believe this journey has only ever been to find you, my son. And should you read this book one day, know that I always felt you by my side guiding me toward the light.