I have been writing ever since I can remember. As a child I would write short stories and used to create scripts for my friends to act out from a favorite show. It has always been a passion of mine. Most of the stories I write usually deal with a moment of realization of how the past and future are connected together some how. I love when fate and the universe work together to do something unimaginable. I have always believed in signs. I believe we are connected to those that have gone before us just as we are to those still with us.
Peter and Maddy have become two visible beings in my mind that evolved rather quickly. I wanted their story to be told because although it is fictional, almost anyone can relate to a passed love, or a lost love left without closure. This has been an incredible journey for me and although there have been obstacles along the way I could not have completed it without the love, help and support of many. I am truly grateful and forever indebted to them.
So with that being said I wish to thank the following influential and amazing people in my life.
I wish to thank my Editor Victoria Mixon. I could never put eloquently into words what it has meant to work with you these past few years. Through your insight and wisdom of the art and craft of writing (also the name of your book) you have taught me infinite ways to write and tell a story. Your depth of understanding of characters and novel writing will remain with me as long as I live and I have grown so much as a writer working with you. I know I will never write anything without your expertise and I consider you a life long friend. I have been blessed to have you in my life. Thank you so much. I love you.
To the greatest friend and Franciscan anyone could ever know and have, Br. John Maganzini. I probably never could have survived these past few years without your friendship, support and prayers. You are a gift from God to so many. You are truly an example of St. Francis and his humble spirit. Mere words could never express my feelings of gratitude and love for you.
To my favorite high school teacher, Ms. Margaret O’Farrell. Your creative writing class at St. Catherine’s Academy sparked my love for writing. Your class helped me get through the day. Thank you for sharing your gift with so many.
To my beloved sons, Timothy Ryan and Matthew Peter, I love you both with all my heart and I’m extremely proud of the great God fearing men you both have become. To my daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Russo, for all your support, ideas, inspiration and constant love. You are so talented and amazing and I am so proud to have you and your parents, Karen and Anthony Russo, as part of our family. To my beautiful grandchildren, Lenora Josephine and Alexander “Sasha” Raymond, you are the light and joy in my life.
To the wonderful friends in my life, I am thankful to God for you and your friendship, support and love. You know who you are.
To my parish, St. Andrews, and all those wonderful friends whom I have met through my beloved church. I am so thankful to be a part of such a holy and beautiful place.
I thank God my creator and savior most of all. I know that in my weakness, you alone give me strength. All that I am is because of you and all that I do is for you.
To my parents who are no longer with me, there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t miss you both terribly. Thank you for always loving me and supporting me and raising me to be the person I am today. I am who I am because of the love and sacrifices they made for me. Thank you for teaching me to be a good person and to love and care for others. You taught me to have faith in God and to put him above all and I will always love you and try to live by your example.
To my husband and father of my children, Robert Fernandez. You are the greatest person I have ever known and the man of my dreams. You have made all my dreams a reality and have made it possible for me to pursue all I’ve ever wanted to do. You are kind and generous and I see God in all that you do. I am so proud to be your wife and I hope I make you as happy as you have made me these last thirty years together. I will love you forever.