HERE IS A LIST of just a few of the Ben Kenobis and Yodas to whom I owe a debt of gratitude:

Sensei Eric Delannoy and Sensei Masahiko Honma. Sarah Burnes and Julie Strauss-Gabel. Dr. Gold and Dr. O. Dan and Alana. Joanne Chan Taylor and Carol Roeder. Pablo Hidalgo and Leland Chee. Elizabeth Schaefer and, especially, the brave and wise Michael Siglain.

Also, Tony DiTerlizzi (you’re Ben, because you sent me to Dagobah) and Tom Angleberger (you’re Yoda, because your knowledge is so arcane and deep—except when it comes to the Tonnika sisters) and Alex Bracken (who is obviously our group’s Leia. Cosign?).

Finally, I want to thank Lauren, who is my Leia, and Zachary, who is my Luke. (What’s that, Zach? You thought you were going to be my Han? Please. I’m Han.)