Eighteen months ago, I began writing one of the most difficult books I have ever written, and I did not shy away from expressing it. I believe I complained about it so much that some of you even believe I hate To Keep You and I don't blame you, because at one point I might have said as much. But now eighteen months later and nearly a lifetime later, I have finally realized it was not the book I hated, no, it was the journey. I was not battling the book; I was battling my inner demons and overcoming traumas I did not realize I was suppressing. I was being drug through the mud and instead of blaming the mud for filling my lungs, I was blaming the hand who was dragging me away from it.
As I place "To Keep You" beside its companion, "To Know You", a mix of emotions overwhelms me. Tears stream down my face in bittersweet surrender. Sadness envelops me because "To Keep You" mirrors my life's deepest essence, making its conclusion feel like articulating my very soul. The finale was painstakingly crafted. Yet, joy intertwines with sorrow as I acknowledge the characters' satisfying arcs. Though farewells are heartbreaking, I know I've done them justice. And to those whose stories remain unfinished, rest assured – their journeys continue, threads waiting to weave together in future tales.
Walking through "To Keep You" was a challenging journey, but looking back, I love it. It has made me who I am today, and for that, I love it. Thank you, "To Keep You", for being the spokeswoman for my soul. Thank you, God, for blessing me with the dream to write this story. And thank you to everyone who has supported me!