A Proper Thank You

The decision was made to keep Lost Edens as a book stripped down: no dedication, no acknowledgment. Just the story. I was just moving over to my Mac so I won't be tempted to work on my great vacation and found a draft of an acknowledgment-type page on the desktop.

I thought it fitting to post today. The list of thank yous has grown since I wrote this so I might need a part 2. For now, though, thank you to everyone who helped make Lost Edens a book!


This was a labor of love for so many more people than who will receive proper credit. Everyone mentioned here contributed directly or indirectly to the book you hold and this project would have been far less if any one of them had not been part of it.

To Ma, Papa, Lon, and Denise, who gave me, Huey, and Jack homes when we didn't have one. To Jeni who flew on a day's notice to help me through the darkest moments. To John who was at my side trough all of it, even when I didn't know I needed you. To James for being so wise and a source of strength. To mom and dad, who allowed me the space to have my own journey and the support to make the journey possible. Thank you.

You loved me, for better or worse.

To Russ and Lisa, I could not have survived without your willingness to talk anytime, without your kindness, without your devotion to being a good friend to me. You extend the same grace to Ben and because of this you have taught me an important lesson in how to be a true friend. Thank you.

You loved me, for better or worse.

To Mandy, Ben H., Lacey, Phil, Yara, and Joe. I couldn't ask for truer friends. You were there through everything and were so supportive. Thank you.

You loved me, for better or worse.

To all of my family but to Grandpa, Claire, and Aunt Ann in particular for your willingness to listen and offer hope, kindness, and a warm hand. Thank you.

You loved me, for better or worse.

To Michaela and Ted. You are present as far as my memory stretches. Having people in the world who have grown with me and are bound by friendship and not blood means so much to me. Thank you for being part of my journey.

Thank you.

To Sue and Laurel. You read these pages before I was even comfortable owning them. This book simply would not have happened without your encouragement and enthusiasm.

Thank you.

To Dr. Miller and Fr. Mike, you eased my pain, gave me tools, and helped me to make sense of what appeared to be senseless. I could not have asked for better guides.

Thank you.

To Jenne, Kevin C., Rachel, Aaron, Gilli, Julie, Sarah, Kaus, Sarah, and Dave. For your kindness, thank you.

To Bazil, Max, Heather, Jacqueline, Stefan, Devon, Ben, Yua, Sam, Shan, Andrea, Harriet and all the lovely people who have called 67 Dunloe home. Your friendship, love, and the community you provided made the trip across the Atlantic worth it every single time. You helped me in ways you might never know. I am thankful.

To Jordan, Dara, and Milt at Beaver's Pond Press. I was so fortunate to cross paths with each of you. To Jennifer, a kind and patient editor. To Ryan, a kind and patient designer. I am thankful.

To Emily, for creating a beautiful book cover. Thank you is not enough.

To Andy, for creating a beautiful website. Thank you is not enough.

To Stephanie, you are a magician who created an audience for the book out of thin air. I am grateful every day that you took on the project.

Thank you, all.