Someone said that if you took all the crazy people in your life and laid them end to end . . . it would be best to just leave them there. In a book about “crazy people,” the list of contributors could be longer than the book itself. Listing them by name would be impossible (and dangerous).
But I have to acknowledge them. Thanks to all the crazy people in my life. You know who you are. Well, actually, you probably don’t. But without you, the book would have no reason to exist. Strange as it sounds, I’m grateful.
At the other end of the continuum are those life-giving souls who keep me sane. Without them, this book wouldn’t exist either. They’re the ones who shape my life and give me hope in the midst of the craziness. The list would be much longer than the crazy people, and any expression of thanks seems inadequate.
Specifically, I’m indebted to a choice few who have walked with me through this journey of a third book:
Dr. Kristine McCarty has been my writing buddy throughout the process. She worked on her doctoral dissertation while I worked on this book, and our weekly contact for encouragement and accountability have been priceless for staying on schedule. Without her eyes on my progress, I would have been scrambling to meet deadlines. I’ve learned the privilege of teamwork and partnership. Thanks, friend.
They say lightning never strikes twice in the same place. For me, it struck three times. Working with Dr. Vicki Crumpton of Revell on all three of my books has been like winning the lottery repeatedly. It was my dream to work with her again, and I’m grateful that my agent, Joel Kneedler of Alive Communications, made that happen. Both of them are masters at finding an author’s voice and putting their own passion into a project. I’m humbled to have both of you in my court.
Dr. Dennis Chernekoff graciously put his professional counseling expertise on the manuscript, making sure that no one would read my ideas and immediately jump off a tall building. There’s a lot of security in being reassured by an expert and a friend. Thanks for taking the time, Dr. C.
My family provided a constant reminder of what matters most and kept the whole project in perspective. Sara, Tim, and Brian just bring joy into my life by existing, and my grandkids remind me that crazy people aren’t the norm. What a gift you all are . . . !
In the end, Diane has been my biggest cheerleader, encourager, and friend. Because of her love and input, I didn’t have to do this project alone. We’re closer at the end of this book than we were at the beginning, and her partnership has been my most treasured part of this journey. You have my heart, which means it’s in the best possible hands. I love you.
Thanks, God, for walking with me—always.