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Acknowledgments

Well, at this point I think I’ve pretty much thanked everyone, but let me run through it again just to be sure.

I’d first like to thank God and my mother. My mother, for blessing me with this gift, and God for empowering me with the good sense to do something with it. It was not so long ago that the three of us sat down and spoke about my stepping down because I felt that my time might have run its course. Then you unlocked yet another dimension within me and I came to understand what it was you required of me. I used to try and shut out the voices, but now I embrace them. Thank you both for creating such a powerful vessel.

What can I say about my scholar (Ni Jaa) and my actress (Alexandria)? Even if I were to sell millions of books, you two would still be my greatest accomplishments. Not only do I love you more than I can put into words, but you represent something that I can never get back, innocence. For as long as there is breath in my body, I will do any and all things necessary to see that you hold on to yours as long as possible. My life for yours.

My grandmother, Ethel “Nana” Foye, and my aunt, Quintella “Tee-Tee” Harris. Neither of you will probably ever comprehend the amount of love that I have for you. We butt heads from time to time, but it’s not because I’m ungrateful, it’s because just as my mother’s was, mine is a spirit that cannot be caged. Since I was a shorty, with no direction and more anger than my little body could contain, you both have always been loving and patient with me. Even when I didn’t want me, you did. If I don’t do anything else, I’m going to make sure that you both know at least a little happiness in this lifetime.

The whole Foye clan: Les, Darryl, Frankie, and especially my Uncle Eric. You already know, so I ain’t gotta say it. See you same time next week.

Charlotte … hmmm … I watched you nearly bleed out on the table bringing Ali into the world, yet the desire to be here for our child kept you with us. Now that’s GANGSTA!!! We’ve had some ups, downs, and sideways, yet the bond only grew stronger. You even managed to tame the untamable. Apparently Kismet is more than just a word.