The Lost Choice (28 page)
Thank you all for your presence in my life.
. . . to Polly,my wife, who has read endless drafts, participated in many “what if ” conversations, and has endured occasional blank stares at dinnertime as I was lost somewhere in Tuskegee or on the
Lusitania.
I love you and our life together.
. . . to Robert D. Smith,my personal manager and champion who never, ever loses faith. The smartest business person I know, you are also one of the few people of whom I am aware that everyone loves. This, my friend, is a tough combination to beat.
. . . to Gail and Mike Hyatt. Your belief in Robert, me, and our work started it all. Thanks for your friendship and example.
. . . to Jenny Baumgartner,my editor at Thomas Nelson. This book would not have been the same without you. The last chapter particularly benefited from your input.
. . . to Jonathan Merkh, Jerry Park, and Pamela Clements. Your encouragement means more than you will ever know.
. . . to Todd Rainsberger, whose idea became the title of this book. Thanks also for helping me shape the story line. Your influence on
The Lost Choice
was invaluable . . . almost as important as your influence in my life.
. . . to Kevin Perkins, my wise and calm friend. With a laugh and a few words, you can always talk me off the ledge!
. . . to Maryann and Dave Winckâthe neighbors and friends of a lifetime. Our boys love you, we love you, and everyone knows that nothing would work at our house if it weren't for you, Dave!
. . . to Foncie and Joe Bullard, whose friendship, courage, belief, and example are a constant inspiration to me. Thanks also for the use of your beach house so that I can continue to write when my own is too loud!
. . . to Mike Jakubik who makes me laugh, Don Brindley who makes me think, and Katrina and Jerry Anderson who are always on my side no matter what. Thanks for your presence in my life and the lives of my family.
. . . to Sandy Stimpson, Barbara Selvey, Gloria and Martin Gonzalez, Maryann and Jerry Tyler, Sunny Brownlee, Richard Stimpson, Brent Burns, Kathy and Dick Rollins, and Patsy Jones. Your influence in my life is undeniable and very much appreciated.
. . . to Zachary Smith, my webmaster and all around smartest person on the planet. Your eye for detail, playful spirit, and patience with my computer illiteracy is appreciated. . . . to Ron Land, Dave Shepard, Darlene Quinn, Danielle Douglas, and Blythe McIntosh at Thomas Nelson. Your skills and energy always amaze me.
Special thanks to Scott Jeffrey, the man who coaches me and improves everything I do. You are making my “Impossible Journeys” very possible indeed.
And finally, to Austin and Adam, my little boys. You are the very beating of my heart. Nothing compares to the feeling I get when you guys run into my arms as I walk through the door. I love you.
Author's Note: Extensive research was conducted to carefully determine dates, exact times, and other details. Any historical errors that might have slipped through my finely meshed “net of accuracy” are entirely my own; however, what the reader may occasionally determine to be a mistake is most likely the product of contradictory source information. In such instances, the author simply selected the most reasonable fact from among the many choices.
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