This book has been years in the making, and I am grateful to many people who have given me courage along the way. The Vicious Circle, a group of talented, compassionate writers, read my first draft at a time when I was still raw with grief, and then saw it through to the twelfth draft, over seven years. Stella Harvey, Rebecca Wood-Barret, Sara Leach, Libby McKeever, Mary Macdonald, Nancy Routley and Katherine Fawcett, thank you for your brave critiquing and friendship.
Thank you to Paulette Bourgeois, Candas Jane Dorsey, Wayne Grady and Fred Stenson for their careful and thoughtful critique. As a first-time author, I asked questions of many people in the field. I thank Angie Abdou, Merilyn Simonds, Jack Christie, Shelley Adams, Stacy Allison, Jennifer Lowe-Anker and Chic Scott for their advice.
For adding depth to my story with their writing and photography, thank you to Bruce Allen, Steve Britten, Damian Cromwell, Jayson Faulkner, Kevin Haberl, Bob Herger and Rob Orvig.
A warm thank you to Honorable Madam Justice Wailan Low, who generously granted permission for the use of Earle Birney’s poem “When we must part.”
I received my share of rejection letters but one publisher took the time to write to me suggesting I submit to Rocky Mountain Books. Thank you to Joan Coldwell of Hedgerow Press.
Thank you to Don Gorman and the staff at Rocky Mountain Books for supporting a first-time author. Thank you to my editor, Meaghan Craven.
When Jim was killed, I realized what sustains me from the inside out: love and how my heart is connected to everyone in my life. These connections keep me breathing. To my family, Jim’s family, my dear friends and my dog, Habby, thank you for your love and support.
Finally, I thank Joe and Sam, the loves of my life.