ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I am filled with gratitude for life itself – if I've learned nothing else from the following story, I've learned that the gift of life is not to be taken for granted. Nothing is mundane; it is all a miracle.

  With that said, it must be sweet serendipity that brought my gorgeous wife into my life. Thank you, my Bella Belinda, for beautifying my environments, for being my first mirror projecting such a loving image of myself, and for the world of beauty that is in you, the beholder. I love you.

  Thank you, my three daughters, Mia, Cayam and Nissim who teach me unconditional love, unshakable trust, and total acceptance. I am constantly overwhelmed by your grace. You bring deeper meaning to my existence, and through you, evolution makes sense.

  To my parents: from you I learned that being a happy old person is the purpose of life, for our last moments colour it all. I pay respect to you, for my debt will never be paid.

  My brother Moshe and his wife Miri are my heroes whom I look to for inspiration. Their compassion is intrinsic, and service is their way of life. Such fine specimens of humanity are indeed rare to find.

  It is said that each one of us is personally assigned a guardian angel. Well mine has been exposed. He goes by the name of Ron Fremder, and a real angel he is.

  'When a student is ready, the teacher will appear' was just an adage until you manifested in my life, Rohm Kest, my sensei. Your teachings have transformed me – I bow to you every day. To Bharat Mitra, my friend and partner, you are a living inspiration to me – it must be my good karma to have met you.

  I am a fortunate man of many assets, and these are my friends. Like solid rocks in calm and rough waters, in them I rejoice and find respite. I love you all. You are my tribe.