Acknowledgements

If there is any talent within me, it surely comes from God. Through writing, I escape and work my emotions into a life-story where I can find healing and hope. It is an incredible joy when these books mean something to others. Though our paths in life may be different, what tugs our souls is surprisingly similar. The strength we find that pulls us through shows just how great He is! I hope somehow that your reading this book might be yet another part of His great plan, and that, in some way, this encourages you.

I started this book after we adopted our girls and completed it when we experienced an earlier-than-expected empty nest. Again, like Treasure atop the Mountain, this book was—for me—a much needed escape from my relentless mind. We try to manage our lives and the lives of others, and then we realize so much is out of our control—sometimes the thing to do is just hold on.

First, I thank my Haley. In many ways, we were two broken people God put together. Her road hasn’t been smooth; it’s taken a village. Haley’s has been loved by all who’ve been a part of her life. I’ve told her many times that God has had her since day one.

Since Haley’s adoption and certainly through her teen years, there’s a based-on-a-true-story book that could be written. Maybe someday we’ll do that together. We’ve held on to love, even when it didn’t feel like love at all. Even when she tried to push us away, we kept loving (along with the hurt.) And when we didn’t get it right as parents, there was still love—deep inside her along with the pain. We still hang on through all that’s unknown.

I am thankful for those who help edit! Cari Small, for one, who read the roughest draft of this book. She suffered through the mess. I love her for that! Also, Virginia Ransdell for every encouraging side notation and her scattered instances of “Wow.” I soar for a moment and hold those tight through the difficult but valuable critiquing process. I also appreciate Lynn Wilton and Sarah Caldwell* for the professional final edits. You can find them on Thumbtack. Finally, I thank my husband, Todd, who gives me a life where I can do what I love.

* Reviews available at thumbtack.com for Grammar Queen but contact her directly at sarahinez@hotmail.com.