Acknowledgments

Willie here. As a longtime acknowledgments reader, I’m familiar with the typical expressions of gratitude aimed toward one’s significant other, children, and other inconvenienced parties. But sitting now in the writer’s seat, I more fully appreciate how inadequate even the more vigorous of these expressions are.

I owe my first and largest debt to my wife, Raylene, who supported my efforts far beyond what was fair to ask or expect. Personal shame prevents me from describing the many sacrifices she made on my behalf, but, suffice it to say that she’s eagerly looking forward to receiving her copy of the book so she can set it aflame. Thank you, Raylene, for making this book possible—your name belongs on the cover of this book every bit as much as mine does.

Next, I thank our children, Max, Jude, Lucy, and Ben, two of whom have never known life without “the book.” They, like their mom, have been nothing but patient and supportive during the entire process, and I am deeply grateful.

Thanks to my in-laws, Ray, Jane, Renee, Rana, and Raymond, for making their home available to my family for many weekend getaways.

And, of course, big thanks to my coauthor, Josh, for helping get the book across the finish line.