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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The writing of a book is no simple thing, and often it seems that it is as difficult to properly thank all of those whose contributions have made a book possible as it is to write the book itself.

A book like this one that is an amalgam of memoir and essay belongs as much to those whose lives have intersected with the author’s as it belongs to the author himself, and each is deserving of recognition and gratitude. If I were to attempt such recognition here, if I were to do so as thoroughly as the circumstances that allowed this book to come into being require, I fear this acknowledgment would be as long as the book itself! I cannot name you all, but I will begin by expressing my gratitude to all who have made both the book and the odyssey the book attempts to portray possible. You know who you are. I am deeply indebted to you for your contributions both to this book and to my life.

A few, however, whose contributions to the book are truly great, must be named. Not to do so would be unthinkable. First, I must express my gratitude to Karen Boucher to whom this book is dedicated. It was her finding me and joining her life with mine here in the heart of the San Juan Mountains, her unbounded joy in the presence of this very special place that contributed most to my understanding of what it means to commit to, to make a home in, to truly dwell in place.

My love and partner for the past twenty-eight years, Debbie Meyers, embodies the rebirth wished for after the often terribly dark, cold winter of Karen’s passing—the new season of spring anticipated more in hope than in actuality at the time the Epilogue to the first edition of this book was written. Debbie is that hoped for rebirth, the warm, green spring of new life that has, indeed, come again.

And finally I must thank the staff at WestWinds Press, my editor Kathy Howard, and most especially Douglas Pfeiffer. All I have dealt with at WestWinds have been gracious, supportive, and hugely capable. It is their talent and expertise that have brought this little book back into print. It was Doug’s desire to see it in print again, his efforts to secure the rights for a new edition, his gentle guidance and encouragement that have made this book possible. For the arrival of this new edition of Lime Creek Odyssey I am forever indebted to him and hugely grateful.