My heartfelt gratitude and thanks to:
Kurt, my husband of more than thirty-seven years, for his steadfast love and commitment to me and our marriage—and, along with our children—for riding the rollercoaster of food addiction with me, even though none of them signed up for it. I am forever grateful for their unconditional love and support shown to me.
Dr. Joel Fuhrman for his sacrificial and persevering commitment to discover the ongoing keys to optimal health; and for his genuine goodwill and care for the well-being of mankind. I am also grateful to him for believing in me and urging me to keep writing when the troll was on the loose—and for encouraging and mentoring my writing and speaking endeavors. I write and speak today, in part, because of him.
Dr. Carl Sovine for his wise counsel to Kurt and me throughout the past two decades. There are no words to adequately express the value of what he has done for our marriage except to quote King Solomon: “Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a man of understanding will draw it out.” (Proverbs 20:5, King James Version)
I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Jeffrey Rediger for offering his encouragement and professional expertise from the field of psychiatry; and to Dr. David Friedman, Dr. Scott Stoll, Dr. Michael Klaper, Dr. Rudy Kachmann, the Rev. Dr. Susan Gilbert Zencka, Ken Hood, Sarah Taylor, Kristen Meier, and Carol Doscher for taking the time from their busy schedules to offer their support as well.
I am also grateful to everyone who has helped bring this book to fruition: my son-in-law Zach Andrews for encouraging me to write again; my daughter Ruth Yaroslaski for shooting the images for the cover; Bradley Communications for casting vision and making connections; Deb Englander for patiently guiding me through each step of the publishing process; and special thanks to Post Hill Press for believing in the importance of championing this message to the world.
My sincerest gratitude goes to the following individuals who have profoundly influenced me in becoming the person that I am today:
My parents, Robert and Helen Taylor, for rearing me in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
My Aunt Tee for always being there to cheer me on throughout my life.
Al Pounders, professor emeritus of painting at Purdue University, for imparting a passion and desire to produce significant works of art.
Mrs. Laurel Steill, my high school English teacher, for igniting a love of writing.
Charles Shepard III, president and CEO of the Fort Wayne Museum of Art, and Kelly Kolterman, for their support of my art exhibit.
Marc and Kim Dupont for moving to Fort Wayne when they did…and for inviting me to Singing Waters.
My precious friends: Audrey Riley for her faithful support, laughter, and honesty through the crazy rollercoaster ride of the past decade; Angie Klarke for her steadfast prayers through the hard times; Sarah Taylor for always believing in me and encouraging me even when I had lost my way; Heidi Choi for going out of her way to cheer me on; and Claudia Dozier, Colleen Obergfell, Jackie Carsten, and Jackie Trainer for their friendship, prayers, and encouragement throughout the years.
Dan and Tammy Rodgers; Ed, Pat, Doug, Cindy, and Jeanne Taylor; Ben and Lisa Boller; Bruce and Kristie Arnn; John and Pat Alexander; Don and Nancy Williams; Jeff and Sharon Hoffman; Max and Dolly Eleiott; Julie Thomas; Carl Marcum and family; the Women’s Ministry at First Assembly Fort Wayne; Daisy Bailey; Vera Button; Linda Landrigan; Patsy Kauffman; Lois Smith; Stacia Alexander; Rhonda Kachmann; Linda Burd; Rebecca Justice Schaab; and Helen Haskell for their generosity and help in the midst of crisis.
Pastor Ron Hawkins for gently shepherding me through trauma and recovery; and the many folks at First Assembly Fort Wayne, for praying for me through the dark valley to the other side.
Bonnie Davis, MSW, LSW; Sharon Brockhaus, Ruby Hahn, Julie Brommer, and “The Compassionate Friends” for their gracious support through grief.
My “battle buddies” in my small group family: Dave, Heidi, Greg, Maylynne, Kevin, Lori, and Robert for their love, prayers, and support.
Dr. Fuhrman’s Member Center for cheering me onward throughout the past decade. Your ongoing encouragement has been—and always will be—priceless to me.
Above all, I am most grateful to God Almighty for being my ever-present help in times of trouble.
Soli Deo Gloria