Acknowledgments
This book came together through amazing people sharing their lives with me. So much of my foundation, my friends, family, and their beliefs are in this book. Over the years, I have adopted so many
parents
,
cousins
, and
sisters
into my life. I truly know family is what you make it and blood is not always thicker than water. My extended
family
is a testament to that belief.
None of this would have happened if not for John Scognamiglio, who always believed I could do things I only dreamed of. Thanks for your help, support, amazing vision, passion for books and the written word. I can't thank you enough for your patience, belief in me, and knowing I have more to share.
To all the women in my life who molded me into who I am. This book is about us and the love we share through the good and bad times. To me, we
are
family. So many thanks to: Kate for years of inspiration and book sharing, Maria for being the bomb whenever I call, Elise for all things Catholic, for listening and “getting” me so well, to Karen for leading me back to my purpose, to my Goddaughter Chelsea for the beautiful photos, Angalamabama for the walks, your ears, and the hair! A special thanks to Geri Jowell for sharing her experience of cerebral palsy with me. Hugs of gratitude to my
Godmother
Aunt Ellen, June, Sybil, Carol, Claire, Kari, Nancy, Cori, Mo, Ann, Nina, the +coffee gals, Bethie, Cheryl, and the Witches of Westminster.
To my incredible friends, I treasure you and am so grateful for your love and advice . . . always. Thanks for talking me off the ledge and reminding me who I am. Thanks to Tom for your wisdom, to Kevin for being the ultimate docent, Tim my executive assistant, Ericâthe best mensch I know, Runtie for always being in my lap, to the Sacred Six and the Fabulous Five for showing me the importance of celebrating life.
To Sydnee, Robyn, and Kylie for reminding me how important it is to hold the women in our lives close . . . blood or not.
Eternal love to my brothers Michael and John, my touch stones to my past, present, and future. Thanks for remembering our childhood so I could write about it.
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To the kind and durable Walton fans whose love of the show lifts me up. You are always there for us. To my incredible Facebook friends, you have supported this book from the moment I mentioned it to you. Your support in all I do in life and online is greatly appreciated. I hold you all as family.
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To my Don, your love and support sustain me. I am so Blessed to call you husband.