This has been the most challenging book I’ve written in my nine-book career. I could not have done it alone. Thank God, I didn’t have to—which is what I’m about to do.
I give special thanks to God, the Supreme Authority in our universe, whom I have also come to know, through the writing of this book, as Allah.
Nichole and Will, thank you both so much. Nichole, your vibrant personality and wit brought this book to life and continue to make my heart smile. Will, I am so pleased that you’re becoming a part of our family. I have loved you from the first time you sat in my living room glowing with your gentle spirit and loving ways. Welcome aboard. Thank you both for staying with me through the trip and this book. You are the loves of my life. I am so proud of and pleased with both of you. A mother couldn’t ask for more.
Dr. Steve Sherwin, thank you for your patience and skills and your undeviating belief in this book and me. Many of the concepts that appear in this book came from, and through, you. Thanks for everything.
Wendylee, there are not enough words to acknowledge what a trooper and copilot you’ve been throughout this amazingly intense, grueling, and magnificent process that began when I first (in retrospect naively) conceived the idea for this book. Thank you for your unwavering support and presence while I wandered through the Middle East. Thank you for the quality of your intuitive counsel. Thanks for the laughs. Thanks for being you and being there. I am a lucky woman to have you in my life. Who was it that said, “Everyone should have a Wendylee”? They were right. We should all be so lucky. Thanks for being my assistant, my friend, an editor, a consultant, and a spiritual and emotional touchstone.
Jhoni, thanks for being a loyal and good friend. Your well-timed telephone calls and creative inspiration guided me through some tough spots in this book. Thanks for being there for me. Thanks for bringing the spirit of L.A. into my life and this book. Thanks for your well-timed personal advice: “Melody, stop that. It’s not being nice to them, it’s being mean to yourself.” You’re brilliant, and you have a beautiful soul.
Toni, true friends are so rare in this world. Thanks for bringing friendship, color, and an appreciation for beauty into my life. It was you who called me New Year’s Day and said, “I’ve made a resolution. I’m not going to be mean to myself anymore.” Thanks for giving me the title for this book. Thanks for introducing me to Jerry, in Pasadena. Thanks for giving me a role model of what a superior woman of fine character really is.
John Steven, from the beginning we have not had a traditional mother—son relationship, but you have always been in my heart. You’ve fought your way through many obstacles, and you’ve won. I am so proud of you, and so pleased with your beautiful family—your wife, Jeannette, and my grandson, Brandon. The three of you have done an admirable job.
I must express my deep gratitude and appreciation for the people in Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt who opened their hearts and homes to me. Essam, you have a sweet, gentle spirit. Your devout love for Allah and your belief in the existence of the special powers continue to impress me. Thank you for all you’ve shown me about life. I send a special thank-you to the women of Egypt for opening your hearts to a foreigner. Fateh and Nazil, you are the heroes of Algiers. You made my time in your country memorable. “Thank you” doesn’t seem adequate.
Finally, Shane Anthony, thank you so much. I wanted to leave you a great legacy. Instead, you left me one. One of the many gifts you gave me was your tremendous spirit of adventure. It was that spirit that gave me the courage to take the trip to the Middle East, to ride by the terrorist hills with little fear, and to ride that donkey down the streets of the village of Giza. Remember that night on the island, when you grabbed my hand and said, “Let’s go.” “Where?” I said. “For an adventure,” you replied. That was six years ago. Well, you’re still taking my hand and saying, “Let’s go.” I can’t think of a better guardian angel any mom could ever have.