I want to first acknowledge all the teens who shared their stories and who gave this book its life—thank you. I also wish to express my thanks to the 2003 Seniors Rites of Passage group in Spring Green, Wisconsin; to a most amazing and inspiring high school teacher, Bob Weinswig; and to Hailey Roessler, whose words and wisdom you will find in this book.
If it weren’t for the beautiful and inspiring places where I am fortunate enough to write and “journey,” this book would only be an idea. So, thank you to my most wonderful husband for building a home where inspiration is the only possibility. Thanks also to Todd and Karin Miller for having the vision to open up the General Store in Spring Green, where many gather to swap stories (special thanks to David W. Rozelle for your swap). And always to my daughter, Lydia, I owe my heartfelt thanks for her patience and spirit.
I also want to thank the publishing folks who made this book a reality: Ehud Sperling, for putting Bindu Books out into the world; my editor, Vickie Trihy (you are awesome!), for her skill and attention; Jon Graham, who continues to speak up for the creative spirit; Jeanie Levitan, for her formative eye; Mary Anne Hurhula, for her intriguing book design; Peri Champine for the inviting cover; and Jess Matthews and Doris Troy for hunting down and eliminating technical errors. And much appreciation to Donna Dressen, teen mom extraor-dinaire, who created much of the art on these pages.
“For long years I have kept this beauty within me.
It has been my life.
It is sacred.
I give it now that coming generations may know the truth . . .”
—DINÉ, “SANDOVAL’S PRAYER,”
TRANSLATED BY AILEEN O’BRYAN