Life presents us with innumerable moments, some we want to remember forever, others we prefer to forget. It is what we choose to do with those moments that determines our happiness, brings contentment, and provides us with meaning in our lives. My life has not always been easy but it has been full; full of wonder, adventure, camaraderie, friendship, family, and love. I would like to thank my amazing wife, Cathy, for thirty-nine years of love, friendship, support, and for being my biggest fan. In many ways, this book is as much a story of our journey together as it is of mine. Thanks for patiently reading the manuscript and for all of your comments and suggestions that helped shape the book from one draft to the next.
To Evan, Olivia, and Theo, watching you grow from childhood into adulthood has been one of the proudest moments of my life. There were times when I felt that parenting was not for the faint of heart, and it is heartwarming to see how things have worked out for each of you. Thanks, Olivia, for your edits and comments. As a father, one of the most amazing moments is learning from our children and your grace in providing me feedback was greatly appreciated.
Dad, it was tough losing you at such a young age. The last time we chatted was a long time ago, before I was able to achieve the things we had talked about when I was a kid. Thanks for your wisdom, support, and helping me learn the way of the explorer. Mom, you lived to see it all and I was glad to be there to say good-bye. Thanks for sharing your passion for medicine, surgery, and science with me. You inspired me to push through adversity to become a neuroscientist and physician. I will never forget your counsel on the importance of the art of medicine. To my sister, Bronwen, we are very fortunate to have had amazing parents and share lots of great childhood memories.
To my editors, Brendan and Nita, special thanks for your encouragement, support, and patience in helping me put pen to paper (or perhaps fingers to keyboard) to bring some of my stories to life, and for editing the numerous draft versions of the text. To Paul Barker, thanks for the fantastic cover design—it takes me right back to my last space walk. Thanks to the entire Simon & Schuster team for your passion and excitement in helping me publish this book. The journey was incredible and now that we’ve reached the destination, it will be hard not spending as much time together.
I have had the privilege of participating in two spaceflights and two undersea missions with fantastic teams. To my fellow astronauts and crewmates on STS-90, STS-118, NEEMO-1, NEEMO-7, and NEEMO-9, thanks for some of the most memorable experiences in my life and for your commitment to extending the time-distance constant of human space exploration. It was an honor to be part of the team.
To Roy, Anne, Eve, and Gabriel, thanks for your support and for being such great fans. To friends Bill and Ursula, Laurie and Daniel, Denise and Jim, Jenn and Al, Chris and Helene, thanks for being there for Cathy when I was in space or in the ocean; your friendship has been unwavering. To Brian, flight instructor of the stars and those that go to the stars, thanks for giving me the gift of flight and helping me pass my private pilot license. To the many other flight instructors and instructor pilots I’ve flown with, thanks for helping me perfect that gift.
To Paul Capelli, George Gate, George Abbey, and Kevin Smith, thanks for helping me be a better leader and giving me responsibilities that enabled me to work with incredible teams. To my teachers Dr. David Harpp, Dr. Ron Chase, Dr. Ken Flegel, Dr. Bruce Rowat, Dr. Lorne Greenspan, and all the other research and clinical teachers who helped me, thanks for making me a better scientist and clinician. To the team at Southlake Regional Health Centre, thanks for tirelessly providing everyone with the ultimate patient experience. To Maggie, Bev, Diana, Tanya, and Tracy, thanks for organizing my life. For the many family members, friends, and colleagues I haven’t mentioned, thanks for being part of the journey—it’s been an amazing ride.