Acknowledgements

Acknowledgement must begin and end somewhere. First to the Creator and my ancestors, and then to Dorothy Mae and Ruthie Mae, my two mothers. One who saw the need to release me and one who accepted the call to embrace me. Onward to Joanne Bowser who recognized my ability to write at age eleven, and Judith Stein who pushed that ability further in high school by referring me to Urban Gateways Writer’s Workshop. Next to Colombia College Chicago who accepted me into their master’s program and provided a faculty of writing instructors who emboldened me, especially and including Alexis Pride who gently prodded me along regardless of my resistance and motivated me to submit my work; and Don DeGrazia in whose class this story began.

Thank you to my agent Harvey Klinger for seeing something in my story that made him want to keep reading and, stuck with me through all the ‘beautiful’ rejections we received. I thank him for aligning me with Black Odyssey Media who has worked with me and beside me, providing inspiration and respect for the craft of writing. These women are incredible. Thank you for giving my voice a space to be in.

And of course, I thank my family and friends for everything they have done, both large and small to encourage me along the way. My husband, Barry, who has never wavered in his belief that I could in fact become a writer in this winter season of my life. Our children Stephan, CeeJay, Danielle and Kisa who cheer me on always. They are the first to celebrate me and the loudest applause in the house. And of course, my friend and fellow writer, Jeff Hoffman. As iron sharpens iron, Jeff keeps me on my toes and provides feedback without flinching. Thanks for pointing me towards Harvey and continuing to show me the way forward on the author’s road.

Darrielle, Fran, Laverne, Linda, and Ramona, my Greek Chorus who have provided the rhyme, reason, and unconditional friendship throughout this journey, thank you for being with me.

If your name is not here, it’s not because your contribution is not valued, I just ran out of space.