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Dedication

This book is dedicated to the memory of John Kirk Farrar. He called himself Johnny K. I called him Johnny K. of the Milky Way. I guess that’s where he really does live now. More or less.

Once, I was writing an article about what things make the best Christmas presents. So I called John and asked him, “What’s the best present you’ve ever been given?” He thought for a while, and then he said, “You know how cats sometimes run sideways?” I said yes. He said, “That’s one.”

That’s how he was. That’s why I miss him. So many do.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Well, of course I want to thank my agent, Lisa Bankoff, who handles my business affairs with such grace and integrity. And style. Many thanks as well to her assistant, Patrick Price, who gets things done, and done well. He is a man who can be trusted, no small thing.

I also want to thank my editor, Emily Bestler, for believing in this book and for stepping up to the plate in cowgirl boots to prove it. Thanks too to her assistant, Kip Hakala, for the many favors he does for me and for making our business dealings such fun. Whenever he calls, I feel like something good has just come on TV.

I am fortunate to have two daughters, Julie and Jennifer, who enrich my life beyond all measure. And I have the love of a good man, Bill Young, to provide a foundation I cannot be without. His affection is returned.

My dog, Toblance Floyd Ripken, king of the golden retrievers, deserves his own paragraph for the way he is a constant source of comfort and joy. Here you go, Toby.

This book could not have been written without the spiritual instruction I received at the hands of the many patients I cared for when I worked as a registered nurse. I thanked them then and I thank them again now. I thank them most of all.

The world breaks everyone and afterwards many are strong at the broken places.

—ERNEST HEMINGWAY
from A Farewell to Arms

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