For Mrs. Roddy, who shared her passion in the midst of her pain.

For Mae, who graced me with her passion for words.
She is an eloquent saint whose inkwell overflowed love.

For Anne, who was somehow able to champion my awkward scribbles.
Her coaxing and generosity inspired me and made my career shift possible.

For Nancy, who gave me unequivocal trust. Her love and long-stretches of sanity
kept us all going when things got interesting. She deserves a year at the beach.

For North Carolina, whose extravagant beauty, industrious ancestors and
amiable inhabitants furnished a lovely place to live and raise kids.