Acknowledgements

I finished my novel today.

This is a pretty big deal in that I really didn't know that I would ever get it done.  Yet somehow I did it.  I've had my fair share of challenges and heartache of late.  Rather than letting all that break me, I poured everything I could into my writing.  I say this not to brag.  I say this to remind all of you that, the next time your life is full of challenges and you feel overwhelmed, you can use that negative energy, turn it on it's head and accomplish something.  I do know there's still a long road ahead of me.  Many revisions are at hand, I'm sure.  Then there's the issue of (gulp) trying to find and agent and see if some publisher actually might think it worthy. There's the Chinese proverb that says, "the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."  Granted, I have taken a big step, but there are still many miles ahead

I encourage you to read the acknowledgments below.  Whether or not the novel actually gets published I do believe that the people who had something to do with it being written deserve some sort of public kudos, so here you go.

You may wonder about this nameless "angel" that I pour such effusive praise on. This is someone that has had an enormous positive impact on my life.  I was at a low ebb of self-confidence and this person was able to lift me back up, force me to take a good, hard look in the mirror and push me back to where I was truly in the thick of life, a place I had not been in many, many years.  We should all have an angel of our own at some point in our lives, someone who believes in you and is proud of you no matter what, someone who can make you believe in yourself again, no matter what damage the years and miles have wrought.  It really doesn't matter if this person is in your life for a day, a month or your whole life.  They will generally appear when needed.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

A great many people have had something to do with the writing of this, my first novel.  I will try to remember all of you.

Always first and foremost, there's my boys, Peter, David and Jonathan.  Guys, if you're reading this, that means you really can do anything you set your mind to.  Told you so!

Then there's my angel... you are forever my best friend, my cheering section and my muse.  You helped me find the best parts of me again, things I thought were forever lost. You taught me how to turn bad into good and reminded me that I actually do deserve to achieve my dreams.  I can honestly say that without you, this novel would never have been completed. I told you that you were going to make me famous and remember, there's always going to be a place in my heart that's yours and yours alone.

To my "little sister" Carrie and her husband Bill, my other best friends.  Your friendship means the world to me. I'd say "may all your dreams come true", but that's already happening.

To Christina and Jennifer, there are parts of this story that are dedicated to you guys. You both know which ones they are.

To my mom and dad...thanks for believing in me and encouraging me.

To Barry Eisler and Joseph Finder.  Your writing continues to entertain and gives me something to aspire to.  Thanks also for encouraging us budding writers and being all-around good guys.

To my Facebook friends, especially Penny, Peggy and Shalom.  Thanks for all your inspiration and encouragement.

To Michelle, the best teacher/ soldier I know.  Thanks for your unceasing positive attitude and research help.

Just as important, this novel is dedicated to everyone who ever wanted to change their life and took the chance to grow through adversity.  I did it and so can you!