In 2016 I travelled to Western Australia and up to the Dampier Peninsula in the north-west. It was a day trip during which I visited several local communities, swam and walked on the beautiful beaches, and explored the local heritage. In particular I enjoyed Cape Leveque and Lombadina, home of the Bard people – and it was there I had a brief meeting with a wonderful woman called Pip, who shone with love for her community and, I discovered, was also a keen reader. That ever-so-short visit had an impact on me and last year I returned for a longer stay. I met up with Pip again and over a cuppa she was kind enough to chat with me about life in her community. When I needed someone to read the manuscript she was excited to help so a big thank you, Pip, for sharing your love of your country and your love of reading with me.

This book touches on breast cancer and I wanted to make sure I’d tackled the topic in a way that appreciated what so many go through, both the person and their families. Besides the experiences of several women close to my heart I also contacted friend and McGrath Breast Care Nurse Ros, who also read an early draft and gave feedback.

So many anecdotes of life on a farming property helped feed this story. I would like to thank several women who chatted to me about life on their patch, in particular Joy, Meredith and Jackie, who took time out from their busy lives for extended conversations and some jolly good laughs. Resilience would have to be the middle name for people living on the land.

Thanks to Rob for help with describing life with Year Three. It’s a while since I’ve been there. And thank you to Selina, my talented hairdresser, who let me pick her brains about hair colours and how they work.

While all of these wonderful women mentioned above helped with aspects of the story, I often wriggled things about, so any mistakes, although unintentional, are mine.

Just as I finished the early drafts of this book my dear big sister, Vivonne, lost her battle with cancer. Sisters share a special bond and, being the oldest, Viv was sometimes mother, sometimes mentor, my sounding block and always in my corner. She was the poet of our family – we agreed a long time ago that talent missed me – but thankfully she’s passed it on to her daughter, Nerrilee. Through Viv’s cancer experience she constantly lobbied for better services for regional patients. I know that some of her efforts have helped others and I also know how grateful she was for the support she did receive. On Viv’s behalf I’d like to thank all of you working to improve the lives and wellbeing of cancer patients, especially those in regional areas where distance can be an extra obstacle. You do make a difference.