Just how does one go about thanking the people who’ve helped him not only write a book, but also rescue a life? I can’t imagine. What I do know is that I owe my eternal gratitude to the following people who’ve done so much in both regards.
My angel: Carole Johnson. The Talmud tells us that every blade of grass has an angel leaning over it, whispering, “Grow, grow.” For nearly a decade now, Carole, you have provided that steady whisper in my life. Without you, this book would not exist. Because of you, I know all things are possible.
My rocks: Mandi and Mike Friedel. Mandi, draft after draft, revision after revision, you have been there with me, guiding, encouraging, and gently challenging me. Make the book a metaphor for my recovery, and the same statement holds equally true. Your generosity inspires and humbles me. Mike, thank you for your love and friendship, and for all you’ve unwittingly taught me about “quiet confidence.”
My roots: Mom and Dad. You two will never know how much I appreciate your unconditional support of this project. By encouraging me to share my story just as I remember it, and without holding anything back, you paved the way for me to reach deep into my soul. I can’t think of a greater gift any parents could offer.
My mentors: John Christgau, Wayne Manning, and Michael Moran. Thank you for showing me, each through your own life and work, just who and what it is I aspire to be.
My book team. Thank you, Susan Schulman, for lending me your vision and wisdom; Becky Post, for opening Hazelden Publishing’s doors to me and making me feel so welcome inside; Mindy Keskinen, for giving this project your expert care; Dr. Jackie Persons, for committing yourself to my recovery and this book; Drs. Jeffrey Schwartz, Judith Rapoport, and Jerry Jampolsky, for inspiring and supporting me; Joanna Mendoza, for always being there; and Richard Marek, Wayne Davis, Valerie Upham, Mindy Harding, and Patricia Perkins, for sharing your invaluable feedback.
My radio family. Thank you, Kitty O’Neal, Chris Lane, and Patti Reising, three of the finest on-air partners, and off-air friends, I could ever ask for; my immensely talented KCBS colleagues, with whom I’m privileged to work; and the legendary Charles Osgood, whose generous support for this book means the world to me.
My extended family. Thank you, Zaida, for nurturing me; Bethany, Katie, Joy, Dick, Melissa, Scott, Miranda, Rachel, Jan, Moco, and Ralph, for enriching my life in so many ways; Cathleen, for encouraging me, again and again; Bud, Frankie, and Chad, for sharing your angel with me; and everyone at Spiritual Life Center in Sacramento, for providing me the safest home in the world.
And most of all, my best friends: Samantha, Nicole, Brianna (and Zaxi). Thank you for believing in me, long before I, myself, could. You are my everything, and I’ll love you forever.