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After a tough year, I went on the obligatory high school senior retreat. When we returned to the school, all of our families surprised us by being there, and we were supposed to say our takeaway from the retreat. I remember saying, “If I’ve learned anything, it is that friends may come and go, but family will always be there.” Those words still ring true today.
So I would like to thank my family first and foremost. To my husband, Israel, we’ve created an amazing family, and I’m so happy and blessed to have you in my life. Thank you for your unrelenting support and love. Thank you, Mom, for your unceasing prayers and encouragement. Dad and Maria, thank you for always guiding me through tough decisions and supporting my dreams. Lyz and Tavi, you are more than family, you are also my best friends. And to the friends who I consider to be like family, who have had my back through the toughest of times, Sarah, Zeke, Paola, and Kristen, thank you!
I’d also like to thank all my writing friends in my various critique groups who have read many drafts of this book and helped it become better. A special thank you to the Red Adept Publishing staff, Alyssa Hall, who’s helped this book become the best version of itself, and my line editor, Karen Allen, who made all the words nice and shiny. And thank you, Lynn McNamee, for allowing this story to be shared.