Many thanks to Victoria Huber, my Savannah, who spent hours with me the first year at George Mason, convincing me I would make it. Victoria also connected me with some fellow George Mason alums who are spending their lives as Public Defenders. One woman in particular generously gave me her time so that I could confirm that I had the law and the motivation right for Jaime. Many thanks, Bonnie! While I have served as appellate counsel on criminal appeals, I have not worked in the trenches of public defense and wanted to make sure I honored those who do. As I conversed with Bonnie, she reaffirmed my impression it is a calling.
I also have to thank the many people who shared with me the experience of sexual abuse and what it did to their families. I knew Jaime had a hard story, but I didn’t know it was this difficult until I started digging into her past. Two people read the manuscript to make sure I honored the experience and made it real. Thank you, Hannah and Nick, for helping me honor the experience of survivors.
As I reread this book at the final stage, I realized how much my life has mirrored Jaime’s as I wrote it. With each book there is something that I learn, and for Delayed Justice I was in a season of asking many of the questions that Jaime wrestled with. God brought certain people along my path to hold me up when I didn’t think I had the strength. A huge thank you to Beth Vogt who faithfully texts me each morning with an encouraging Scripture. If you haven’t read her books yet, you really must! Thank you to Beth Nagel for all of the coffee, prayer, and love. And to Kim Lunato, my friend who has known me for years and still loves me. You consistently spoke truth when I needed it. You three have been my Hayden, Emilie, and Caroline this year. Thank you!
One thing I have learned through this season is that God is with us every step of the way, and His greatest desire is for our healing and wholeness. I don’t know where you are on your life’s journey, but my prayer is that God will reignite hope and joy in your life.
Thank you for joining me on Jaime’s journey.