Acknowledgments

My Sincerest Gratitude

Writing a novel takes more than an idea, a computer, and a cup of coffee. It takes pruning and perseverance. As the seeds of my writing have grown to life, many individuals have watered the roots and nurtured the budding leaves with their light. To these individuals, I offer my sincerest gratitude.

I would like to thank all who have helped me improve my work with their suggestions and constructive criticism, especially Maria Cuadra, DeAnna Julie Dodson, Susanne Lakin, Dr. Robin Visel, Dr. Yolanda Saad, Cyndee Walklet, Chris Benton, Sue Bartlett, Joanne Williamson, Penny Lindblom, Kris Harris, Jerri Gibson McCloud, Deborah Esperen, Annemarie Flynn, Nicole Fielding, Caroline Thompson, Nancy Dorrier, Marianne Blake, Jenny Sanjana, and Dr. Nathan Moore.

I would also like to thank those who offered me their support and enthusiasm, especially Joshua George; Delia Castellanos; Tony Cuadra; Patricia Lizano; Emilio Cuadra; Arlene Garcia; Anne Marie Fields; Brandy Scott; Lara Larberg; Jennifer Pacheco; Margaret Lewis; Tia Vice; Rebecca Carter Teel; Kaaren Younts; Rebecca Singleton; Will Hawkins; Catherine Ferguson; Ashley Davenport; Hosana Burchette; Dave Marcinko; Anji Sullivan; Keith DeFreitas; Jewell Briscoe; Kesha Blackmon; Tricia Williamson; Bertina Karpeh; Virginia Davis; Theresa Mullen; Sandy Bertrand; Blair Henderson; Phyllis Overmon; Darlene Branham; Mackenzie Davenport; the SPC staff; the Hartness staff; the PT&C staff; the HDS staff; Dana Abbott; Samantha Feeman; Todd Plyler; Martha Creamer; Dorothy Fairchild; Christina Dunham; Margarita Castellanos; Catherine and Kyle Artzt; Delio, Denise, Alex, Jorge, and Nelson Castellanos; Zaida and Jacqueline Rodriguez; Miroslava Guisbert; Hiram Martinez; Ruben de Armas; Rosa Vazquez; Violeta Fortez; Lilly, Chelsea, Jonathan, Matthew, and Mary Allen; Blanca Dudley; Mari and Thomas Blake; Emma Iglesias; Dr. Lynne Shackelford; Mrs. Janis Crowe; Dr. Stanley Crowe; Mrs. Ann Clayton; Mrs. Dalia Pulido; and Dr. Anne Ware.