Acknowledgements

Writing can often be a lonely business where you spend hours creating a project with no input other than the thoughts that swirl through your mind. Some of those thoughts can be positive and filled with hope while others can trend negative and be quite harsh. That is why having a team around you that supports your efforts and believes in what you’re doing is so powerful.

I cannot fail to thank all of the family and friends that have supported me and my writing throughout the many years. Ever reader that has taken the time to read my work, and that now includes you, makes my heart smile. Even still, I have to provide a special thank you to Jacquelin Thomas. This story was originally written to be included in an anthology that she brought me to and I can only express the sincerest of gratitude to her for her generosity through the years. She is an amazing author and an even more beautiful person.

I have to give a special shout out to Sisterhood Expression Book Club (SHE) for their unwavering support and endorsement of me as an author. What an amazing group of women.

There are points in your life that are pivotal and can change the trajectory of your life. I have to thank Pastor Jeffery Chapman Sr. and the Raleigh North Christian Center Family for such amazing examples of excellence. They were a positive challenge and influential push for me to grow and continue to pursue the craft that I love so much.

This story was built around absentee fathers. I am so grateful for the privilege of having a father that was fully present and loved me, but also that believed in me and allowed me to believe that greater was possible. I have lovingly dedicated this book to my father, James Williams, for being the gift that I call Dad.

Another thank you goes out to my lovely mom, LaVonna Patterson, who has begun her own writing journey. The opportunity to see the excitement and joy she exhibits from her writing reignited a spark that I had long tried to bury. When she publishes her book I will be the first one in line and I encourage you to do the same.

My son Isaiah is one of my greatest motivators and I continue to push myself to show him that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.

Last, but never least, I have to thank my wonderful husband and perpetual boyfriend, Emanuel, who has supported me from my very first novel. You have no idea how important it is to know that I’m never alone and will always have at least one fan in the room whenever we’re together. It means everything to me.