The Life You Longed For (38 page)

M
y wonderful nieces and nephews have changed my life, changed me, in myriad ways. My writing too is deeper and more multifaceted because of the person these four children have allowed me to become. To them more thanks than I know how to express.

To the many women who have been falsely accused of Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy and who so generously, albeit guardedly, shared their stories with me in letters, e-mails, and phone calls. I could not have written this book without your help.

To those who suffer from mitochondrial disease and/or those who love someone who suffers from it, there are no words to express what you have taught me about resilience and hope and the importance of telling even the most painful stories. Behind them lie innumerable moments of beauty, courage, and grace.

To the writers and editors who have donated their time, energy and talent to the annual “Writers at the Beach: Pure Sea Glass” writing conference in an effort to raise both money for and awareness of mitochondrial disease, thank you for reminding me that stories really do change lives. I have watched it happen. In just two years, there is more awareness of this disease in my little state of Delaware than I could have imagined.

To the staff at Booksandcoffee in Dewey Beach, Delaware, especially Terry Lake and Debby Creasy, who not only gave me a wonderful setting in which to write
The Life You Longed For
, but who also offered me plenty of coffee, encouragement, and enthusiasm—all equally necessary.

To the participants of the Rehoboth Beach Writers' Guild Free Writes! You have taught me anew what first brought me to writing over twenty years ago: there is so much joy in the small moments of success, so much joy simply in showing up each day, pen in hand, ready to take the leap.

To my friends Gail Comorat and Anne Colwell, I don't know where to begin. Your own talent as writers is so much a part of
The Life You Longed For.
Your insights into the characters, your astute questions, your numerous comments on draft after draft have been invaluable. As has your friendship, which I truly cherish.

To my amazing agent Candice Fuhrmann who, even in the midst of arguing with me about certain issues in
The Life You Longed For
(and the book is exponentially better for the arguments she won), never stopped believing in my writing, in this book, in me—and so fought hard to find it the best home she could.

Which brings me to my editor at Touchstone Fireside, Cherise Davis: You have trusted me, respected my ideas, worked hard to make
The Life You Longed For
the book I dreamed it could be. Thank you.