To Ron Howard-Thank you for making “Far And Away” and inspiring me to write this story.  You made the Oklahoma Land Race fascinate me and come alive.  It was so captivating, and drew me in so much, that it was well into at least the second hour, before I realized I was sitting in a packed movie theatre.  Thanks, Opie!

     To John Williams-Thanks for writing one of the most beautiful soundtracks ever.  You captured it all in the music, yet again, and really made me feel like I was there.  People just watch a movie and don’t even hear or think about the music.  I don’t.  I hear the music first, sometimes.  The music is another character in the movie, when you write the musical score.  I cherish your musical talent.

      To Jackson Moore-You died around the time I wrote the part with your name in it, from a horrific accident.  You were all I wrote about you and more.  I know you are that little child angel, still, for your family who has been without you for so many years now.  I hope you are finding God and the angels so much fun to hang around with and you have your laughter and fun you had here.  We will all see you soon. 

     I wrote this novel some 13-14 years ago.  I wrote it when I was working at a daycare center.  My boss got used to me bringing my thick notebook to work, to work on, when my weekly lesson plans were done, and the kids were down for naptime.  I had about two hours to write, and I made the most of them.  My pastor, at that time, wanted to read this, so on Sunday, I gave him my newly written pages I’d worked on for the week, and he’d give them back to me at Wednesday night church.  We did that for weeks, into months.  He was always so anxious to read what I wrote next.  He believed in me, and my writing so much, and that meant so much to me, and still does.  When I had a hard time figuring out a title, he wrote down two suggestions for me.  I went with one of them, and I still have that piece of paper with those titles on it, in his handwriting.  This story is especially precious to me, and I feel him with me here, as I get it ready to share it with all of you.  He died in 2006 of his second bout with cancer.  I miss Bill every day.  I am a little comforted that I get to talk to him, from time to time, in my dreams, ask his advice, or just get a hug.  This story is dedicated to Pastor Bill Kaber (July 12, 1951-July 11, 2006).  This one is ours, Bill, and I know you are here with me.