ACKNOWLEDEGMENTS

I’VE NEVER WRITTEN AN acknowledgements page before. I’ve read some and been included in a few. Upon writing my own, never could I have imagined all the friends and family who encouraged, inspired, and loved me as I wrote this story. It’s strange, but just listing a simple thanks doesn’t seem like enough, so I’ll add a little extra.

A kiss to my wife, Hollie. You’ve always been a cheerleader of anything I’ve set out to do, yet building a life and family together with you tops everything I have done or will ever do. A wink to my kids: Wesley, Noah, Keaton, and Ashlynn. You’ve kept me young in mind and heart and forced me to write when most quiet—the deep of night. A salute to my editors: Pam Johnson, Steve Rzasa, and Audra Marvin for finding my errors, holding me accountable for them, and helping me tell the best story possible. A handshake to my fellow authors/mentors: Travis Thrasher, Eric Wilson, Steven James, Bob Liparulo, and Kevin Kaiser in thanks for your honesty and showing me the true path of a writer in the real world. A high-five to my beta readers, reviewers, and endorsers who championed the story in the early, middle, and end stages.

Also, a round of applause to my publisher, Aaron Patterson, and the StoneHouse Ink team for giving me the chance to share my story with the world.

A fist bump in special thanks to my friend Paul Jackson, who endured many of my repetitive, crazy ideas and helped this one to stick with his clever insights, jokes, and friendship.