THE COMPLETION OF this book required the aid and understanding of a great many people. The conclusion was in sight when I was diagnosed with a condition that required emergency surgery. I was hospitalized for a month and then went home for a lengthy period of recuperation during which I was unable to work. Herman Graf, my longtime friend and publisher, thoughtfully extended my publication date and called regularly without ever asking when I could get back to work. While I was mending, Kimberley Lim, assistant editor at Skyhorse, line-edited the portion of the manuscript that was already complete with care and precision. Jessica Diaz, my research assistant, performed spectacularly, finding what I needed promptly and efficiently.
Many of the events recounted in this book were evolving as I was working. I kept pace as best I could, trying to remain as current as possible. The factual information was culled from a great many sources. I have endeavored to credit all of them and apologize for any omissions. The opinions and views expressed throughout, unless otherwise noted, are those of the author alone.
I would be remiss not to mention the array of medical people who got me through an extremely difficult time. At the top of the list are Drs. Charles Glassman, Marc Zimmerman, and Rakesh Shreedhar. The staffs of Good Samaritan and Helen Hayes Hospitals, in North Rockland County, also earned my appreciation for their kindness and care. Once home, I was provided with several months of care by Nyack Hospital Home Care services. I offer my thanks to all those skilled nurses and aides who helped restore me to a condition resembling normalcy.
Unable to get around for many weeks, I thrived on the regular visits and phone calls from my devoted family: my children, Linda and Steve; their wonderful spouses, Greg and Monique; and my magnificent grandchildren, Michael, Jessica, Sammi, and Matt.
Finally, the book would never have been completed and I would not likely be sitting here today were it not for the round-the-clock ministrations of my wife, Betty. She sacrificed all varieties of leisure and entertainment, including a long-planned trip to Europe, to provide me with the kind of care worthy of a professional nurse. Even more critical was the love and emotional support that kept me going when my spirits flagged.
My undying love and appreciation to them all.