The sticky note used to hang on the front of my fridge. In three years, this is the farthest it has moved. My counselor wrote this note for me before the first Christmas we faced after my daughter died. I must have looked at it a hundred times a day that season, reminding myself that all I had to do if it got too hard was find this yellow piece of paper and follow her instructions, and someone, somewhere, would stand between me and my pain.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, suicide is responsible for the deaths of more than 47,000 people in 2017 alone—more than twice the number of homicides. If you or anyone you know has ever thought about self-harm or suicide, please take this information and make your own sticky note. Keep it wherever feels right to you. Use it whenever you need someone, somewhere, to stand between you and your pain. Know that you are not alone.

While Cat’s mother suffers from bipolar disorder, and I have the tragedy of child loss to contend with, it’s important to remember that depression and suicidal ideation don’t always have an obvious cause. You don’t need a diagnosis or a trauma in order to own your pain. It is enough that you are hurting. There are people who want to help. It’s important to reach out to them.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-TALK (8255)

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Writers don’t exist without a backbone of support, a rigid column of cheerleaders, collaborators, and believers who make our work possible and, in many cases, better. I am forever indebted to each and every soul whose unyielding support nurtured this book into being.

I’m not sure how I managed to land such a stellar agent, but Thao Le’s enthusiasm for my work, her drive to see it molded into the very best version of itself, and her passion for setting stories free in the world are gifts I never tire of unwrapping. To say that I know I am in good hands is a terrible and clichéd understatement and yet still true. Thao, I value our process more than I can express. You are not only a fantastic agent—you are an incredible human being. Thank you for being a guide, a listener, a friend. For always steering me right. For continuing to raise my work to a higher level. And for giving me the absolute best book recommendations.

Christina Pulles and the entire team at Albert Whitman & Co. have yet again taken my story and polished it to a high shine. I am so honored by their commitment and devotion to great storytelling, by their passion for beautiful books. Christina, thanks to your careful eye and continual encouragement, The Salt in Our Blood has so much more to offer. I love sharing my characters with you. I love how you get them.