We would like to acknowledge that this is Esther’s book. As her parents, we get to add our names to it—which we are happy to do! Our greatest wish is that you, the reader, will walk away with a deeper appreciation for the mystery of life, and the hope that comes with loving.
To Julie Strauss-Gabel, our editor, and to the entire team at Penguin Young Readers, especially Rosanne Lauer, Elyse Marshall, and Irene Vandervoort. Thank you for believing in us and for caring so much about Esther’s story.
To our agent, Jodi Reamer, thank you for making all the magic happen. Can’t wait to do it again!
To John Green, Esther’s friend and favorite author. Her star shines more brightly because you chose to champion her. Your generosity and compassion have made everything a little easier for our family. We can never thank you enough. You are as kind and brilliant as people think you are!
To the medical teams at The Jimmy Fund and at Children’s Hospital in Boston, thank you for the good work you did for us and continue to do for so many.
Thank you to nerdfighteria, and to Catitude, for being there for Esther, especially when things were really hard. You gave her a home online and you gave her hope irl. Without your love, there simply would be no constellation within which to set our Star!
To all the Shining Ones who helped with transcribing Esther’s journals, writings, online media, and other stuff. You are a gift!
To Alexa Lowey, Esther’s oldest friend, for all the memories and for creating the phrase we carry on our wrists and in our hearts, “This Star Won’t Go Out.”
Thank you to our extended Earl and Krake families, who supported Esther and us in every way, and who agreed from the beginning that our fuzzy haired, bundle of light was a gift to the world.
To our beautiful children, Abigail, Evangeline, Graham, and Abraham, who loved their sister perfectly and who miss her very much. Thank you for giving your mom and dad the space to grieve and to write. We know that your hearts are also breaking and even though we cannot protect you from pain, we will always love you, love you, love you, no matter what!
Finally, to Esther Grace. You were so easy to love! Rest in Awesome, Little One. We will definitely see you again.
You can read/watch more about Esther Earl, and Lori and Wayne Earl here:
Esther’s YouTube: youtube.com/user/cookie4monster4
Caring Bridge: caringbridge.org/visit/estherearl
Wayne’s blog: timeforhope.blogspot.com/
Esther Day:
John Green announces Esther Day: youtube.com/watch?v=ixr4YISTmck
Esther Day 2012: youtube.com/watch?v=VFX3uu6VyyU
TSWGO foundation:
Website: tswgo.org
Facebook: facebook.com/TSWGO
Tumblr: tswgo.tumblr.com