My Deepest Thanks and Gratitude...
Wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving.
— Kahlil Gibran

The gratitude I feel for all of the people who helped me heal is profound and never-ending. I would especially like to thank, from the bottom of my heart, all the co-counselors who helped me—especially Raymonde Egli-Bielak and Kathy Strnad-Shipley. I am forever indebted to Andrew Fono and, in particular, Harvey Jackins, two valiant co-counseling leaders who are now deceased.

I would like to thank all the people who stood by me when I was sick; my incredible doctors, whose dedication and care, although flawed at times, actually saved my life; and my uncle, Jesse Dickson, for his extraordinary sensitivity and for convincing my parents to consult a specialist for me. But most important, I would like to thank my family.

I wouldn’t be here today if it were not for the love and support of my dear parents, Jonabeth and Wilbur Evans, who passed away in 2001, and all of my siblings, Jennifer, Adrienne, Joe and Valerie.

I would like to acknowledge and deeply thank all of my friends and family who have volunteered to help make this book possible:

TR Mackin for book cover design and editing assistance.
Alexander White for remarkable content editing.
Mel Babb for book formatting, computer tutoring and editing assistance.
Patrick Bertolino for front-cover photography.
Jennifer Evans, Susanne Dickson, Christy Payne and Raymonde Egli-Bielak for editing assistance.
Mary Anne Hobbs for support group suggestions.
Marisa Jennings and Waverly Fitzgerald for personal coaching.
Angie Kessler for website design.
Shirley and Bill Workman for providing a restful sanctuary to finish editing the book in Santa Fe and for being a wonderful part of my life.
All of my friends and family for their support and friendship.

Most important, I’d like to thank my sweetheart, Bill Workman, for being there when this book was born and for helping it grow, day by day, with lots of love, hugs and smiles!

I appreciate all of you very much, and I am so blessed that you are a part of my life. Thank you for your priceless contribution. I couldn’t have done this without you.

Our labor of love will hopefully make a significant difference in the lives of people with lupus and other life-challenging illnesses — one precious life at a time.

Blessings,

Waverly Evans

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