quintessence. (29 page)

First, I want to acknowledge you—the reader. If this book touched you and it meant something to you, I acknowledge that and I love you as a human being for it. My hope for you is to always remember that you are capable of great things, despite what life may have thrown at you.

I’ve been privileged enough to meet some amazing people through my books. So first, on the broad spectrum of lovelies, I want to acknowledge the Buhlers, my amazing group of friends. I don’t like to call you fans, though I know you are fans of my books, I see you as friends of mine—and friends of the Böhme, too. Your passion for their stories is inspiring and I love each of you.

Eda. You are one of my dearest friends. When I started writing this book, it was just a means for me to cope with my own history. But, in the last year, the universe decided to send you up a mountain that no one is ready to face. Being on the sidelines watching you has been difficult for me—I always wish there was something more I could do. But, in the true Eda way, you have taken this and turned it into something to conquer in life and you did it with humor and strength. You are one of the strongest people I know. You’re my beautiful friend and I am forever thankful we both chose to take that Comparative Religions class all those years ago. I love you to pieces and then some, my friend. (Thank you again, Max, for being okay with this friend love.)

Lisa. You are an amazingly beautiful person and I know this last year has been a difficult one for you as well. I can’t imagine facing what you have and you’ve done it with a beautiful strength that is inspiring. I love you, friend. You are always in my thoughts.

Susan. Thank you for being such an awesome friend and for the title. Your book helped me through this journey and I will always be thankful to you. I look back and see me choosing to read your book as a catalyst to push me in this direction as a writer. Your heart and listening ear have been treasured.

My family—my mom in particular, this story was for you in a way, Mom, because you always told me to write my story. I think this is as close as I will get to that. And my family as a whole—thank you for always keeping me humble and reminding me that I can’t do everything on my own. Having seen others go through their own illnesses and life changes, I understand how hard it must have been for you those years ago and still
is
to this day. Sometimes I wonder if we do feel our weakest when those we love are facing their battles. We can’t take their pain but we can be there for them when they face it. Thank you for being my quiet strength. I love you all so very much and I’m thankful we chose this life together.

Michele. Thank you for loving these characters as much as I do. Your friendship through these books and your input is cherished beyond words. I don’t even think I can put enough into this one paragraph. But, know this…I loader you. And I think you’re the bestest, most pretentious person I know and I love you the most for it. You get me like no other person gets me and you never give me bullshit. I love you for that as well.

Now, in closing, this may seem a bit pretentious, but there is one person in particular I need to talk to and that is you Sarah. Yes, you back there in 2002. You that thought the world was ending. You, that thought there was no hope for the future you always longed for—I want to thank you for not giving up. Thank you for pushing on and not letting what life gave you destroy you. You stood up to it and I wouldn’t be here without you.

About the Author
Sarah Buhl
Sci-fi fan. Self-professed TV and IMDB guru. Gamer. Dreamer. Geek. Daughter. Wife. Mother. Friend.
Author of novels.

www.sarahbuhl.com
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www.twitter.com/sarahbuhlwrites