There is a real Shanti in my life. She was my pen pal when I was in grade school, and later we lost touch with each other. I have always longed to find her but had no success in my three visits to India. All I have now is one of her letters and a small black and white photograph, but I also have wonderful memories of India, and a strong connection to my foster son, Natarajan, who lives in Bangalore. In Follow the Elephant I had the opportunity to rewrite history and let Ben, the troubled grandson, find Shanti.
I am grateful for the help of the boys: Zac Pollard, Noah Abramson, Mac Macdonald and Sam Fraser, who patiently undertook to teach me about computer language and PlayStations.
I want to thank my smart and supportive community of women friends who stood by me through the years I worked on this book: Shelley Hrdltischka, Roberta Rich, Louise Hager, Barbara Clague, Linda Bailey, Velma Moore, Norma Charles, Merry Wood, Margaret Prang, Margot Young, Shelley Mason, Dianne Tullson, Heather Kelleher, Carol Dale, Susan Moger, Bhakti Bonner, Madeleine Nelson, Anne Fraser, Dianne Woodman and Jeannie Corsi.
Along the way I received valuable help from Lata Sood, Shawna Mansahia, Ameen Merchant, Ellen Clague, Ann-Marie Metten, Ram Crowell, Ken Pederson, Brian Young, Kulwant Ranji and from Terry Jordan and his writing group. I want to thank Paula Jane Remlinger and the board at the Sage Hill Writing Experience for their financial support.
I owe special gratitude to my friend Tom Blom, who is now deceased. With his unique charm and sensitivity, Tom saw me through early drafts of this book.
I was extremely fortunate to have Ronald and Veronica Hatch as my editors. They share my love of India and possess editing skills based, not just on where the commas go, but on a deep understanding of Indian culture.
Many thanks to my steadfast agent Beverley Slopen, who followed this pachyderm along with me.