For Melissa Naatz – Where do I even start? You have been such an incredible friend, cheerleader, support, guidepost, shoulder to cry on, advocate… Thank you for those phone calls when you sense I’m stepping too close to the ledge and then knowing exactly what to say to talk me down. You make me laugh, you make me think, and you let me cry. You stay on the phone with me for hours at a time and wade through plot points with me until things fall into place. And after that, you still patiently read the same words over and over and over… and give me your honest, insightful feedback every time. But mostly, thank you for all those nudges that put me back on track and in the right frame of mind and for reminding me what readers want to see. I can’t believe we haven’t been a part of each other’s lives forever, but that doesn’t matter because you’re stuck with me now. And I can’t wait to celebrate with you (at low altitude, of course) when badass Devin meets the world of readers. My cheers will be heard all the way into space.

For my sister Kim – From the time we were little girls living with Grandma and Grandpa to the time we moved out and started our own lives, we banded together and weathered the kind of storms that made us stronger and made us who we are; we always listened to each other’s secrets, rants, fears, hopes, and dreams, and helped to wipe each other’s tears… even during whatever sisterly fights we might’ve had going on. And even though years and nearly two thousand miles separate us from those times, there are three things that will forever bond us: unity, love, and above all, friendship. Thank you for believing in my dreams with me. And telling others to believe, too! And for always telling me (and others) how proud of me you are. As the recent gift you gave me says: I may not always be there with you, but I will always be there for you.

For Kerrie and Victoria. Being an aunt is such an amazing gift, but being an aunt to people you love, respect, admire, and call your friend is something that goes beyond special. You are such incredible women! And Kerrie, when I picture amazing, selfless, kickass mothers, you’re the person I see. Victoria, from the moment you crawled into my lap so I could read to you to today where I get to watch you bravely sing and perform in front of strangers, you have awed me. Thank you both for standing not just by me, but with me and for reminding me of who I am and who and what matters. For someone who writes words for a living, I fall short of being able to express exactly how much I love you and how important you are in my life. But I hope you know it anyway. Thank you… for you… for everything!