acknowledgments
If a fortune teller had foretold a few years ago that I’d embark on the journey of writing my first book a month after becoming a parent for the first time, I would have taken it as further justification for my general mistrust of fortune tellers. Yet here we are.
The timing in my personal life for writing this book wasn’t ideal. It came with considerable sacrifices—most significantly from my wife, Alma, whose unwavering support, patience, and love provided the anchor I desperately needed. You have been a rock, gracefully handling the extra burdens my writing placed on you, even as we navigated the joys and challenges of early parenthood.
To my son, Aidan—thank you for filling my days with delight and reminding me daily of the joy that exists in life’s simplest moments.
I am eternally grateful to my parents, Davis K. K. and Pushpa Davis, for laying the foundation on which my life, education, and career have flourished. Your relentless encouragement, generosity (buying me my first, second, third, and fourth computers!), and invaluable support with childcare have made this book possible.
To my parents-in-law, Molly Paul and Paul George, thank you for always being there to lend support and comfort, particularly in helping care for our little one during this busy season of life, and lending me precious time to write.