For my daughter, Ashley.

A daughter is a little girl who grows up to be a friend.

 

 

Though our roles as parent and child are clearly defined, we also share a friendship that has been forged out of disappointments, triumphs, heartbreak, and many lessons learned together.

We teach each other, encourage and inspire each other, and we pick each other up when we fall.

I want you to know that I love you, I admire you, and I am so very proud of the young lady I am watching you become. Sometimes, while we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about. Thank you. This novel is dedicated to you.