This book would never have become a reality without those who opened their hearts to me. People from around the world shared their tears and their triumphs. Their survival is the very soul of this book, and I can never show them enough gratitude.

My family has also been an incredible source of strength. I want to thank them for that, beginning with my father. He is an endless inspiration. As a forensic psychologist, he has seen a lot of pain, but he has also learned how people heal. He shares that in the section "Why Writing Heals." Dad, thank you for being part of this journey.

My mother taught me to be truly aware of my feelings; it's hard to do, but always well worth it. She lost one of her dear friends to suicide. You can read about her loss in "The War and the Wall." Mom, I will always cherish you.

To my brothers Chris and Will-being there for me when Brett left us meant more than I have ever said. I couldn't have made it without you. You both gave me courage when I had none.

To my brothers Seth and Josh-you two are here holding my hand, even though we are miles apart. You are on your own journeys now. Know that I am with you.

To my sister, Hollie, my right-hand woman, you were there for the long and sometimes tearful nights. You are my treasure.

Granny, you are the kind of woman I hope to be one day. Thank you for your guidance.

Karen, your advice always comes from the heart. John, your giving spirit is a guide, and I am glad you share it.

Nothing in the world is as valuable as a friend. I am blessed to have so many friends who share hugs and heart-to-heart talks. Julie, you are a part of me, and always will be. Shannon, you have a beautiful soul, and I am honored to call you my friend. Kim, much of my conviction to continue comes from you. Heidi, you are one of the truest people I know. Tena, I thank you for sharing your gift of song. Your voice and words are angelic. Amy, you always know the right thing to say to me. Thank you.

Karen, you pushed me when I needed it. Baron, you taught me to stop and smell the flowers. Jeff, thanks for letting me follow in your footsteps. Steve, you still listen and that means so much.

Evan, you are my mentor and my muse, as well as a constant source of entertainment and encouragement. Of course, without Becky, there would be no Evan. Becky, thank you for making it all possible.

To my friends in Hawaii-Amos, Carolyn, GeriAnn, Randy, Susan, Ann, Twain, Andre', Alan, Stuart, Colleen, Alton, Julie, Eric, Dave, Nancy, Mike, Pi'ilani, Joe, and those at Chaminade University-I love you all.

To my friends in Yakima and Green Bay-Mark, Kathy, Valerie, Susan, Ann, Tedd, Preston, JB, Randy, Judy, Dan, Marian, Lloyd, Joel, Reggie, Sara, Jason, Jay, Shelley, Kristine, Kevin, Tanya, Bonnie, Mr. T., the Good Neighbor Radio Show, the Yakima Police Department, KNDO, and WGBA-you were my rock and I thank you.

I could not have completed this journey without Christian, Belita, Ron, Kristin, Julie, Nicole, Kevin, Mary, Susan, Shelley, Jason, Marie-Clare, Christine, Tracy, Kim, and Jen. For helping me bring this journey to the next level, my heart goes to Jeff.

I also want to thank my FOX family in Dallas for encouraging me to share this story. Thank you, Kathy and Maria.

To Pastor Ed Young, Dr. Norman Giddan, Charlotte Dunhill, Linda Runnells, and Diane Weatherford-thank you for your incredible insight on healing one's heart.

And lastly, I want to thank a man who has been part of this book since the beginning. Wade, for your encouragement to explore my past, I will always be grateful, and I will always love you.

I am forever thankful to all of you for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself.