ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
LIFE IS FAR MORE enjoyable when you work with people you like and respect. I would personally like to thank the following:
Gene and Wanda Sgarlata, the owners of Womrath Bookstore in Bronxville, N.Y., for their continued support; without their friendship, you wouldn’t be reading these words.
Sarah Branham for making sense of it all and for performing a herculean task in record time. Peter Borland for your encouragement, insight, and that amazing ability to understand what I’m trying to say. I’m truly blessed to have you not only as my overseer but as my friend. Judith Curr, the most forward-thinking professional in the publishing world, and Louise Burke, for her unwavering support and belief. I could not be in better hands. Nick Simonds for keeping it all together; Dave Brown for getting people to sit up and take notice; and especially Joel Gotler, my Obi Wan guide in the West Coast cinematic world.
And heads and shoulders above all, Cynthia Manson. First and foremost for your continued friendship; it is something I truly treasure. Thank you for your innovative thinking, your continued faith in the face of adversity, and your unlimited tenacity. Your inspiration, guidance, and business acumen are exceeded by no one.
Thank you to my family:
To my children, you are the best part of my life. Richard, you are my mind, your brilliance and creativity know no bounds. Marguerite, you are my heart, constantly reminding me of what is important in life; your style, grace under pressure, and sense of humor are examples to all. Isabelle, you are my soul; your laughter and inquisitive mind keep my eyes open to the magic of this world we live in.
Dad, for always being my dad and the voice of wisdom that forever rings in my ear. Mom, you were always my champion on terra firma, and you no doubt still are. How else can I explain my good fortune since your passing?
Most important, thank you, Virginia, for your love even when I don’t deserve it.
I marvel at how you are even more beautiful than the day I spied you in gym class.
You fill my heart with hope and possibilities, opening my eyes to the joys of living that can become so obscured by the trials, tribulations, and everyday distractions of life’s journey.
Thank you for making me laugh in the darkest of hours. Thank you for raising such amazing children; they are truly a reflection of you. Thank you for dancing; I marvel at your modesty, talent, and beauty as you lose yourself in the magic, achieve the impossible, and entertain the world around you. Thank you for making our life exceed my dreams.
Finally, thanks to you, the reader, for taking the time to read my stories, for reaching out through your notes, letters, and e-mails. Your kind words inspire and fill me with the responsibility never to let you down.