I am so fortunate to have this first-time opportunity to share my story with the world in a manner that feels genuine and timely. Like many of my projects, there was a team of amazing people who helped me take the thoughts and experiences of my life and transform them into a cohesive deeply personal memoir.
First and foremost, I am grateful to God and His many blessings bestowed upon me. Writing this book further highlights the ways His grace has been a guiding force in my journey.
A few years ago, I embarked on spiritual transformation that brought me to Father Mark. Thank you for being such a faithful man, for your prayers, and guiding me as I found my way back to my own faith.
In 2018, I had the distinct pleasure of being introduced to Alexis Fisher, a dynamic and discerning professional, who I connected with almost immediately. Her role as my manager has drastically changed my life by assuring me that being the authentic version of myself is enough. Alexis and the team at Timeline Management make my world go round by giving me the support I need to create the life I choose both personally and professionally. Thank you, Dina, for bringing Alexis into my life.
I am forever grateful and appreciative to Lori Balter, who listened without judgment, as I relived some of the best and worst moments of my life. She allowed me a safe place to share my truth and understood how emotional it was for me to share my story for the first time. I admire her patience with me, because I know I wouldn’t have been able to put my thoughts and words on paper without having someone as talented as she is with me every step of the way.
Appreciation to the agents at Park and Fine, and the multitude of professionals at Worthy Books for their time and effort to get my story out in the world in the proper way.
I am grateful for every person who is mentioned in this book, the good and the others who may have challenged me. In one way or another, each one has made an impact that led me to where I am today.
None of this could have happened without the love and support of my husband, Jamie. Thank you for always keeping me humble, holding me accountable, but above all else, helping me break the cycle I came from.
With you, I have been able to create the family I always yearned for: a warm, loving, and stable family life that is, undoubtably, my greatest treasure.