Читать книгу The Verwoerd who Toyi-Toyied - Melanie Verwoerd - Страница 4

Thank you . . .

I have been extraordinarily privileged to share my life with very special people. All these people formed me and influenced my life, which is the reason that this book exists. So my heartfelt thanks to . . .

Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, my African fathers and two of the most amazing men to ever live. You will always remain my moral compass.

The strong women I share my life and genetics with: my wonderful mum Lenie, my sisters Melissa and Nadine and my beloved grandmother Lenie Brandt. You are my anchors in life.

Philip for becoming a father and grandfather when it wasn’t always easy.

Wilhelm for spending the first 21 years of my adult life with me. We did some amazing things together politically, but more importantly we made two extraordinary, special human beings. Dankie vir alles.

Sharon for giving Wilhelm happiness again and for accepting my children into your life.

Emily Nomajoni Makoena, my friend and my children’s other mother. You taught me so much about politics, service to others and how to keep going when times get tough. Enkosi kakhulu, Mama!

Brid, Elaine and Abraham, three of the most special friends one could ever ask for. Thank you for always being there with love and support. Thank you that I could trust you with my hurts and pains, and for keeping every­thing I ever told you private.

Rita and Harry Crosbie for feeding Gerry and me and allowing us to camp on your couch when times were hard.

David Blake Knox and Fiona Looney for being such good friends to Gerry and for being there for me in the weeks after he died.

Paul McGuinness and Kathy Gilfillan, for an amazing time in France and for helping me on the day of the funeral. Gerry always loved spending time with you.

Lottie, Rex, Bonnie, Elliot and Babs. Thank you for the lovely times we spent together. I hope this will fill in some of the gaps and help with some of the pain that others caused after your dad’s death. I love you all very much.

Gerry’s brothers, Mick and Mano. We only got to know each other in very dark times. Your support helped a lot.

Gerry’s accountant, mt, for helping me confirm what I always knew and for looking after Gerry and his children beyond the call of duty. He knew he could rely on you and admired and respected you deeply – as I do.

Niamh Sheehan, my amazing assistant. I am extremely thankful that you came into my and my children’s life. There is so much I could not have done without you.

Paul and Susan Feldstein of the Feldstein Agency. Your professionalism, attention and personal care still astonish me. You are an author’s dream.

Everyone at NB Publishers. From the beginning I felt at home. It has been a real joy to work with you.

Paul Tweed, Kathy Matthews and John Kerr from Johnsons Solicitors, for your patient guidance and support.

All the people I have been privileged to work with in the ANC, the South African Parliament, the Foreign Service and UNICEF and who are the fellow travellers on my journey.

The many people of Ireland who carried me through the last three years with letters, e-mails and phone calls. The kind gestures from so many strangers (such as the elderly gentleman who sent me a €20 voucher with instructions to buy Horlicks so I could sleep better) frequently ‘rescued’ me when life was very difficult. I was touched by your kind words and hugs.

My two children,Wilmé and Wian. This book would not have happened were it not for your love and care, which motivated me to write it. You are two exceptional young people and I am extremely proud of you both. I would not have survived the last few years if not for your support during times when you were also suffering. You were often the only light that kept the darkness from overwhelming me. Daar is geen liefde groter as myne vir julle nie.

And lastly for my love, Gerry Ryan. Thank you for choosing me to share your last years with. They were the best years of my life. Whatever happens in the future, ‘I will love you till the end of time.’