Acknowledgments

While I may be the writer of this book, it will soon be clear that there were many other contributors. I wish to acknowledge my deep appreciation for their part in what you are about to read. In many cases, I am able to give credit by name to the individual whose story I am telling, and I am very pleased to do so. But that isn’t always the case. Some of these stories I heard from people who didn’t give me their name. Some introduced themselves to me, but at the time, I had no reason to think I would someday want to share their stories, and so I did not write down their names, and thus cannot give them the credit they deserve. But I thank all of the individuals, past and present, whose experiences will, I hope, help others find the strength they need to cope in a perilous world.

In addition, I would also like to acknowledge my debt to my family. Our children are now all grown and have busy lives of their own. I asked them if they would be willing to review the manuscript before I put it into its final form. Some of my children were in the midst of changing occupations or other demanding circumstances and could not, but several of my children did read the entire manuscript in first draft form. The fact that there are numerous differences between the first draft of the manuscript and this finished book is due in part to their insights and their honesty in pointing out places they felt could be improved. A reader of that caliber is a treasure for an author, and I am delighted that I have several of them in my family.

My wife, Lynn, is always my first reader, and my most trusted critic. She is forthright in both her praise and her concerns. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Over the years her influence on my writing has been pervasive and profound. In this book, some of the stories are hers, for she has had her own divine signatures in her life.

I appreciate my working relationship with Deseret Book and their staff. So many people contribute to the final product that goes onto the shelves—editing, design, marketing, publishing, and so on. I appreciate their professional competence and their desire to truly fulfill their motto: “Bringing Values Home—Since 1866.” There are two individuals at Deseret Book who I must thank by name. My relationship with Cory Maxwell and Jana Erickson goes back nearly twenty years now to the time when they both worked at Bookcraft. Their support is unflagging, our business association has always been professional, and our friendship is both warm and treasured. Thanks to you both.