Author''s Note

    Sometimes a writer stumbles across a book that''s difficult, perhaps even painful, to write. This was just such a book for me. So I''d like to take this occasion to thank some very special people.Advertisement

    My brother, Kent, and my sister, Laura, who helped me through the sadness and help me still.

    Benjamin and Tucker, who make every day a miracle.

    And my "other" family, the Hannahs and the Shields, who have faced so much tragedy this year with courage and hope.

    Anna, Sharon and Burt .. . this one''s for you.