Bettyville (29 page)

Memoir and memoirists labor under suspicion and I wanted to fess up about cosmetics used and make some reassurances. All conversations quoted here occurred though sometimes—intentionally or because of the tricks of memory—have been combined or moved in time. Digressive discussions have been shortened. There has been editing, but not at the cost of essential accuracy.

For reasons of privacy and respect, the names and details surrounding some of the characters have been altered. A few very minor characters are composites.

The imposition of structure to any story, I have discovered, alters realities. Scenes plucked from the fabric of life are changed, inevitably, when removed from a larger context. Nuances of character are sometimes lost to the considerations of narrative. I regret that, but have done my best to remain fair, generous, and faithful to truth. Still, this is only my Bettyville, created from memories filtered through time, arguable perceptions, and my own consciousness. Other travelers may have their own stories, thoughts, interpretations. My greatest wish is to hurt no one, though I believe we are often the most triumphant when revealed at our most human.

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