Acknowledgements

Thank you

This book has been the culmination of a life fully lived and it would not have been possible without the support and love from those around me. To my family, John, Glenda, Anisa, Jim, and Margaret: thank you for putting up with me all these years and never shying away from hard conversations. To the Swartz family, my pseudo family, your impact and love in my life has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated. To Lisa Gray, who loved me like her own. To my dog, Utley, for keeping me company on my late nights writing and put a smile on my face when the morning came quickly. And to the Flosi family, Josh, Laura, Jake, and Becca, who invited me in and loved me like family, I am forever thankful.

I cannot speak about what it took to create this without mentioning the wonderful women in my life. Michelle Musili, who instead of trying to save me herself, stood by me and encouraged me as I figured out how to grow and heal. Mercy Mirembe, who always saw my strength and determination, even when I wasn’t ready to own either. Abbie Kinaro and Tadi Hondonga, the unexpected blessings that have been unwavering in their support and a constant reminder to take a breath amidst the chaos of everyday life. And Raelyn Burr, who never told me my dreams were too big and stood by me while I ran at them.

I must also speak to the men who have been fiercely protective of me and my dreams. Kofi Amoafo, who got me into writing and after everything, has never let me go. Tuji Okwany, who has seen the best in me at all times and asks me to see my light and who I am capable of becoming. Brice Bogna, who has asked me to pursue excellence in every aspect and who has been overflowing with grace, teaching me how to extend it to myself as well. Nick Jackson, my creative partner, who has always been someone to bounce ideas off of and kept me company in the late hours while I was working to make something great. And to my football boys, you know who you are, who never forced me to choose between the arts and athletics but instead accepted my love for both and supported me through it all.

Anna Maria Johnson, my editor, this finishing of my collection is largely due to the commitment of time, energy, encouragement, support, and critical eye. Thank you for leading with honesty and kindness while viewing the soft parts of me I was new to showing the world.

Mrs. Erickson, I have no words to properly express my gratitude for the love and light you poured into me during my time under your supervision. And the continued support through my seasons of growth while I spread my wings and take to the sky has been such a gift. Mrs. Brozovich, my art teacher, who gave me the rules of creativity and then stepped back and watched me play within the boundaries, never ceasing to extend more love. And Mrs. Krymusa, who never failed to give safe spaces for me and my words to evolve and grow.

My St. Julian’s family, the reason I have not let go of my faith. This community that rejoiced upon my arrival and did not expect anything else from me other than existence. I have found freedom like no other.

And to these friends who have waited in loving anticipation for this book: Yewon Han, Nora Pierce, Makenzie Hanson, Habi Darling, Hanny Lee, Olivia Comer, Josephina Rainsford, Boston Morgan, Claudia Jackson, Morris Tsuma, Jeremy Reagan, Carmel Makaya, and Anna Williford. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Ava DuVernay, who showed me what it was to write the story that needs to be told, even if it is hard to start and harder to finish. Sandra Oh, the woman responsible for giving me an example of me what it is to have a complete dedication to my craft and never settle. Glennon Doyle, the woman who gave me the keys to my cage and helped me find freedom. And to Alexi Pappas, the athlete and writer, I am following in her footsteps; I am no longer avoiding the pain and struggle, but rather I am staying in it, moving through it, and remembering to be kind to myself during the journey. 

Finally, to the New Life babies, the ones I have been fortunate to know, and those I will never get to say by name: This one is for us who still have breath in our lungs and those who we will be following into whatever comes next after death.