Donor 23 (44 page)

A
CKNOWLEDGEMENTS

A
s Joan discovered, no one walks alone through life.

I thank God for all that He has given me.

This book could not have been written without the support of my husband, David. Joan’s story benefited greatly from his ideas.

I owe a special debt to those who spent their time reading draft after draft of the novel, offering me invaluable comments and suggestions: William Beatty, Ann Marie Campbell, Elizabeth La Barbera, Sandy George Campbell, Christopher Campbell, and Christopher Beatty.

Deepest thanks also for the keen remarks and observations from Julie King Marhefka, Heidi Dunlay, and Jennifer Beatty.

I am so grateful to my parents, Ann and Steve Campbell, for their love and all they taught me. I recall with fondness my
dad reciting “Charge of the Light Brigade” and “Gunga Din” as bedtime stories.

Thanks to those who helped and advised me on matters, issues and plot points: Kathleen Dority Fuster, Susan Smith Beeftink, and Laurie Castigliola Nelson.

Let me express gratitude for all the writing advice over the years from my colleagues, Tom Norminton and Doug Wiita. Many thanks also to everyone at the law firm for all their support.

Finally, thanks to the CreateSpace publishing team for their help and advice.