This book has taken me many years to write. They say we don’t write alone, and although I felt alone when I woke up at five thirty every morning to fit my writing around my family’s busy schedule, the truth of the matter is, I have been blessed to have had a slew of people supporting me, cheering me on, and encouraging me to continue to write.
That you have made my life complete is an understatement. Mark, Luke, and Tessa, you have brought a depth of joy and love to my life that I didn’t know existed until you joined me on this journey. Thank you.
I am blessed and privileged to have been born into the Haggerty clan. Growing up, we were eight strong. We have since grown to twenty-six. Thanks to each of you for all the love, laughter, and support: Mom, Dad, Larry, Maureen, Tom, Katie, Mary Beth, Bill, Liam, Mora, Kevin, Molly, Brendon, Patrick, Lara Rose, Matthew, Marc, David, Meg, Reed, Abby, Matthew, and Andrew.
Harvey, there are no words. I send you a hug.
My soul has been sheltered and sustained, protected and nourished by my female friends. Deep gratitude to my “oaks,” Sue, Margi, Sandra, Ceci, and Laurel.
The therapist in the book is a compilation of two women that supported me when I was in my late twenties and early thirties: Anne and Ana (see, it would have been confusing). I hope it’s clear how much they helped me. My gratitude to them runs deep.
Thanks to my Possibility Posse—Penny, Pat, Lori, and Dennis—for your support and encouragement during the years it took me to write this book. And Pat, I appreciate the use of your cabin so I could retreat from life and sink into the memories.
A shout out of thanks to my writing group—Jackie, Stephanie, Carol and Blanche—for their enthusiastic support during the process of birthing my book.
Ann Weinstock, thank you for creating the perfect cover.
Laura Kalpakian, I am indebted to you for everything I learned from you during your nine-month memoir writing class. You inspired me to move beyond the essay and into a full-fledged book.
Merrik Bush Pirkle, my first editor, thank you for bringing new vision to my book and handling the material tenderly.
Cami Ostman, editor extraordinaire, brought wise insight to the arc of the book and helped me reshape it. Thank you for your masterful untangling and your refreshing viewpoints.
Brooke Warner has been with me since I started this book. She was the one who shone a flashlight when I went into the dark places. She is a true guide, an inspirational mentor, and an intuitive, encouraging, partner. You have my deepest thanks.
Not only did this book take many years to write, the story itself spans many years. They say no one is an island, and although I spent much of my life feeling isolated and alone, the truth of the matter is, since I lost my leg, I have been blessed to have had teachers, friends, and strangers tucked into key moments of my life who have reminded me with heartbreaking clarity how truly connected we all are. There are too many of you to mention, but if you read this book because of your personal connection to me, you are one of those people. Thank you for being a part of my community.