Читать книгу Souls of My Young Sisters: - Dawn Marie Daniels - Страница 7

Laurie Parkin, we thank you for believing in us and the Souls of My Sisters imprint. Steven and Walter Zacharius, your support and guidance is just amazing. We have a talented young and brilliant staff without which we could not have made this possible: Donna Hill, for your tireless efforts. Kim Alvarez, Veneice McDermott, Bianca Payton, Cara Lawton. Thank you, Jessica McLean Ricketts, for your advice and kindness. Thank you to John Scognamiglio, Selena James, Karen Auerbach, Kate Duffy, David Lappin, Lesleigh Underwood, John Masiello, Valeece Smith, Adeola P. Saul, Mercedes Fernandez, Neven Gravett, and Daly Hernandez.

Special Thanks from Candace Sandy

To my parents, Patricia and Carlton Samuel, who love with grace and have instilled in me the need to make a difference. To my brothers, Sherwin Sandy and Sheldon Samuel; my nieces, Crystal and Taylor; and my nephew Ricardo, who has always been a constant source of love. To my aunts for their undying love, belief, guidance, and support. To Aunt Geraldine (Amu), Helen, Jennifer, Hemetta, Joanie, Pat, and Joan Braithwaite. To my uncles, who are absolutely phenomenal: Uncle Vernell (Vush) and Trevor Hamlett. To my uncle Wendell Hamlett, who never stopped believing in us. To my cousins, whose love and support sustained me: Jackie, Ann, Paula, Torrie, Jodelle, Donica, Danica, and Natalie. To all of the boys I treasure: Kealon, Terrence, Mark, Trevon, Brent, Franklin, Elijah, Langston. To the Fraley family, my aunt and Uncle Frank, Lisa Fraley, Ollie Gables, and Grandmother Fraley. To my godmother, Cyrilla Laborde, and my extended family: Gary and Amy Krakow; Saundra Parks; and my godchildren, Mark, Martin, Chanel, Naomi, Eliana, and Alyssa. My sisters since I was nine years old, Cristina Colon and Maggie Goring, and their spouses, Jose Gerrero and James Goring. Al and Tiffany Ragin, who are simply irreplaceable.

To Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, his wife, Simone Marie Meeks, the Washington and the New York staff who have been encouraging and understanding during the development of the book. Special thanks to Dana, Tracie, and Teresa Frank, Steve Looney, Carl E. Simmons and Nadia Suliaman, and the Donna Karan family and Vera Gaskin.

Special Thanks from Dawn Marie Daniels

To my sons, Mark and Martin: You are my joy, and every day being your mom is a blessing. Your love and support, questions and answers, laughter and tears have been the best lessons I have learned in life. You are truly special sons.

I give sincere love and undying gratitude to my best friend and sister, Candace Sandy. Your unconditional love and support have sustained me for the last twenty-plus years of my life—you are truly my sister. Your love and compassion inspire me to be the best person I can be every day.

To some of my best friends—Antoinette Callistro, Tiffany Cordy, Maria Davis, Dana Gibbs, Joella Irving, Christine Saunders, and Seanette Vaughan—thank you for being my everyday sounding boards, cheering squad, and sisters. I appreciate your sisterly advice and love.

Mom, the love you have shown me and the lessons you taught me remain with me forever. I love you and pray for you every day! Only a really special dad would support his daughter’s dream unquestioningly and unconditionally. Daddy, you are that special person and I cannot express in words how much I love you. Thank you.

Grandma, you are truly an angel. You are always there to support anything I do, and I am grateful for the love and joy you bring to my life.