This story could not be possible without my prayers being answered or without the prayers of those who prayed for me. I want to thank my Mom who sacrificed her own life so I could be here. I want to thank Mom number two for weekly library trips and introducing me to V.C. Andrews, Sally Beauman, and Judith Krantz. Their stories inspire all of my work. A very special thanks to Nancy Karigaca, a teacher who encouraged my first attempts to write a novel.
To my crit group, thank you Tina Mckayla, Rebecca Carter, Stacy Giles, Bigga Day, Morgan Domina, and PM Carson for the numerous line edits. To my beta readers Jill Corley, Tiffany Shearer, Kimberly Williams, Saleena Chamberlin and Wil Scott, your feedback was invaluable to the process. You guys rock!
I would like to thank Monique Fischer (The Editrix). Her eagle eye gave the story the final polish it needed to go out into the world.
I am grateful for the medical advice I received from Lise Charles, Jim from Storytellerdoc, and Kathryn L. James.
I am also appreciative of the numerous autobiographies about drug addiction. Thank you authors, for being courageous in sharing your stories.
Last but not least, I want to thank my father and best friend, Derrick Youman. Without him I would never have had the courage to write this, nor would I have ever believed I could. I thank you for looking at early chapters and telling me there was something “there” and for teaching me how to listen for my creative voice. I love you with all my life.