When I became lost in this book it was my wife, Virginia, who walked me home, who cared for these words. I am grateful for the blessing of her. I am indebted to Dawn Marano, my once editor and always friend, and Laura Shepherd, for carrying Rivers east. Maggy Rozycki Hiltner and Annette Wenda own my considerable thanks; I’m grateful to Donna Gershten, for the example of her fine writing and the gift of her laughter; my brother, Richard, for his quiet and thoughtful review of the manuscript; Kent Haruf, for his friendship, guidance, and the inspiration of his fierce music; Nancy Stauffer, whose care and good advice I hope never to be without; Julie Grau, for her embrace of, and belief in, these pages.