A Whisper

Acknowledgements

Dear Mason, I promised you I'd write our story, and I kept that promise. I wrote my first poem about you and now my first book, but only to learn that you couldn't save me. Thank you for being there, and caring for me. It was never you and I'm sorry that it wasn't, but I'm missing you for a good reason.

Dear Serenity, you were strong and brave through the darkest time. You have so much to live for and I admire that. Your illness didn't overcome you, and there was a reason I portrayed you as strong and undefeated, it's because I need you to be, for me. No matter what came at you, you were so brave and positive, and I long to become like that.

Dear Alonso, you are absolutely amazing. A best friend from the start. You were an inspiration throughout this book. Your presence and ideas empowered this book. You were loyal to the making of this book. Thank you.

Dear Ann, so many thanks to all of the wonderful women in my life, like you. You were my support and my healer. You understood and didn't even have the illness yourself. You were an amazing inspiration. You gave me strength and encouragement. You have allowed me to breathe easy again, and for that I thank you.

Dear Quincy, you never cease to make me laugh. Your goofiness and craziness are what makes you, you and I'm glad to call you one of my best friends. You are an inspiration, because when I couldn't smile you made me laugh. You were an inspiration to this book.

Dear Ed, I never got to know you, but I am grateful that you are there for Mason. You have been an amazing character in this story, because you were a supporting character in our story.

Dear Sabrina, you are the ditsy, beautiful girl that I honestly do not know what I'd do without you. You have been a giant inspiration to me and this book. You were there for me to vent to and were an amazing listener.

Dear Oliver, you represented four little boys who are alive and breathing. Like you, I love each and every one of my brothers. You guys are my first love, and have taught me how to love and put others before myself. I'm not the nicest sibling, but I'd do absolutely anything for you if it came to it.

Dear Bradley (aka Serenity's dad), you, in the book, were always working. You do work hard for your family, thank you. Not only do you work hard, but you love us.  You understand my pain to a point, and you have been a giant encouragement.

Dear Aurora (aka Serenity's mom), you were the most encouraging and loyal to me. You were there every step of the way, and I love you. You knew what was best for me, and you have always been involved. I couldn't ask for a better mom, one who puts others before herself and loves her family. You have been an inspiration to this book in so many ways, thank you.

Dear God, you are the biggest inspiration. You never let me down. You showed me that it could never be man to put my brokenness back together, only you can. You are my one true love, and if I only had you, it would be enough. Thank you for teaching me that life and problems come from every direction, but you are my protector. Thank you for allowing me to learn this lesson and write this book to share with others, for you are my hope, and to you be the glory.