Thank you, Roxanne Baker, my friend, copyeditor, and researcher, and Susie Newton, a selfless, tireless, and brilliant researcher. I couldn’t have done this book without you two. To Marc Resnick, the kindest, most insightful editor I’ve ever worked with. You understood the importance of Dr. Peterson immediately, when others in your position were unsure. You kept faith with my occasionally unorthodox attempts to bring his achievements to life. May you always reign supreme.
To my oldest friend, David Fallon, and his family, to newer friends John Paxson, Peter Fallon, and Joey Barquin. Having friends who actually read and care about my work is a blessing and favor I’ll never forget. Thank you.
To my loud and proud Jewish, Irish, Ghanaian, Czech, Italian American, gay, and straight family—Chip, Mike, Billy, Jim Kodlick, Johanna, Susannah, Anthony, Mick, and forever closer-than-a-brother cousin Daniel Zoller. To Terry, Lacey, Dave, Allotey, Olu, Elizabeth, and all the cousins and all the beautiful children in the family, Aku, Sena, Duki, Akushika, Akiode, Luci, Elise, Zack, Tim, Zoe, Noah, Ethan, Eric, Gia, and Jack. To Sue, Rachel, and Dee. You are always with me in my heart and my thoughts. Forgive me. I love you. I hope this book may help us be together.
To Pastor Bill Hild, you loved me back to life and taught me about the healing promise of God and Jesus Christ. You showed me a path through the darkness. To Barre Yeager, a mountain boy and a savior as well. For the loving hearts at First Baptist Church of Sarasota. Y’all rock. To the phenomenal Barbara Deutsche who coined the term, “love him back to himself,” a true friend when many stepped away.
To my pals forever, Dave Brady, Guy Polhemus, Vivianne Castanos, and special friend Anita Wise. You hold the memories of our most beautiful times. To the beautiful, extraordinary spirit Debi Frock and my goddaughter Comfort Johnson, you are my family too. I am blessed to have you.
To God and my many darlings in heaven. I’m running a bit late. Don’t wait up.