Writing a book during a global pandemic was not something I set out to do, but I am so grateful for the opportunity to birth this project into the world at a time when the need for compassion, both for ourselves and for the collective, is increasingly apparent. I am grateful for the team at Broadleaf Books for supporting this project and for my editor, Lisa Kloskin, who believed in my ability to take on a book about abortion and healing, who trusted and encouraged me when I felt called to shift and tweak the direction, and who calmly offered support, feedback, and guidance at every step of the way.
There are so many people who were thought partners with me throughout the writing process: Rev. Dr. Cari Jackson, Rev. Dr. Rebecca Todd Peters, Ashley Peterson, Elaina Ramsey, Sonja Spoo, Renee Bracey Sherman, Beth Vial, Dr. Ken Doka, Rev. Susan Chorley, Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg, Tatiana Perkins, and many other colleagues and friends who checked in on me and cheered me on through phone calls, texts, emails, and Zoom meetings. I am grateful for my squad!
Most of all I want to thank the storytellers, the brave and fierce people who trusted me with their experiences and who were willing to share both their wounds and their displays of strength in service of our collective healing. I am forever grateful.