I’d like to sincerely thank my editor-in-chief, Desarae Hunter, who has completely changed the way that I write. She dug into the trenches with me on most of my books. She can be found using the username deseraehunter online. If you’re writing a book, don’t do it without her! I’ve hired teams of editors that cost as much as a car, and they still did not come close to the detail, care, and uncommon level of skill she brings to bear on the craft of writing.
To Sara, I express my most heartfelt gratitude. She keeps the entire engine running when no one’s looking. Her sleepless nights and under-appreciated contributions to my company are the reason you can read this book right now.
To my kids, who stuck with me through this, trying soooooo hard not to bother dad during ‘writing time.’ Thank you, guys, for hanging in there and staying so silent during all my online conference calls, where I tried to pretend like my home office wasn’t in a huge open area. I am immensely proud of you.
To my cheerleader-in-chief, my mother. Not only does she maintain a stockpile of my books to give away to any ‘worthy’ passerby, she provided encouragement and discipline when I needed it throughout my life.
To my dad. I got lucky to have a man who sets an example 24 hours a day of what a man should be. I will carry that forever. His famous line throughout my childhood was, “If we can just get Chase through high school, he’ll be okay.”
To my sister, who has been the cable that tied be to ‘home’ wherever I was in the world. Thank you, HP!
Most deeply to a man I’ve never met who has influenced every aspect of my life, Max Ehrmann. A poem of his hung on my wall throughout my childhood, and I continue to understand it more as I mature. It still hangs on my wall to this day, reminding me that there’s good in the world. I am including it here in hopes it can do the same for you.