Although writing is a solitary activity, this book would not have come into being without the unconditional support of many people. While I cannot thank everyone by name, I owe deep thanks to my patient family and friends—especially James—who put up with me as I carved chapters out of thin air while balancing research, interviews, and organization.
My deepest thanks to Dan Rather, who has never stopped believing in my work and who continues to encourage me to write. I have been privileged to work with him, and his values, strength, and work ethic always inspire me to go the course.
For their generous endorsements, thanks to Dr. Larry Dossey, Nancy du Tertre, Dr. and Mrs. Clotaire Rapaille, Harris Salomon, and Joel Simon of the Committee to Protect Journalists.
As Dorothy Parker wrote, “Writing is a tough and lonely job.” Megan Marshack, Lisa Hagan, and PJ Dempsey held my hand every step of the way. Sakura Amend, thanks for believing in this book from the beginning. You are the best!
Working with the editorial and publicity team at Health Communications, Inc. has surpassed all previous experiences with publishers. In addition to their creativity and support for The Five Gifts, they bring an exceptional level of professionalism to the complex process of editing, producing, and promoting a new book. A deep bow to my amazing editor Allison Janse, book designer Lawna Oldfield, copy editor David Tabatsky, and my media soul sister Kim Weiss.
At News and Guts Media, thanks to the ever-patient Alex van Amson, Phil Kim, and Wayne Nelson. At MindBodyNetwork.com, my gratitude to Tore Kesicki, Mark Callipari, and James Retza. At the New York Times, thanks to Pat Lyons, Phil Coffin, Dean Toda, and Marcelle Fischler.
Going above and beyond the call of friendship, a shout out to: my Sarah Lawrence BFFs Amy Nicholls, Bernice Green (okay, we go back to high school), Teresa Oster, and Vern Oster; Patty Harris; Barbara Vettell; CBS News alums Ted Data, Haig Tufankjian, Jack Smith, Laurie Singer, and Nell Donovan (and Bill Frolisch); in Long Beach City Hall, Robin Lynch and Izzy; and the congregation at St. James of Jerusalem. At the WTC Family Center, thanks to Dr. Tom Demaria, Dr. Minna Barrett, Margie Miller, Carole Sankary Cullens, and the Comfortos.
Special thanks to Kathy Michaels, Marcia Isman, Anna Ervolina, Laura Manno, Sue Hecht, Barbara Fischkin, Marianne Weinstein, Jane Finnegan, Carol and Sandy Denicker, Eileen and Denis Kelly, Jenny Rivera, and Dr. Sergey Kulikov’s indefatigable office team.
My appreciation to Paul Schweinler for inviting me to join his CISM team, Dr. George Everly and Dr. Jeff Mitchell of ICISF, and Sean Starbuck at the UK Fire Brigade Union.
To those of you whom I do not have space to mention, please know you are in my heart.