I made this Youtube video over a year ago. I feel that it sums up the dedication page in Prepare to Come About very nicely. “For my families–both blood and saltwater.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nww1_QihdbY

Somewhere along the way, I’ve learned that the old saying, “You can’t pick your family,” is entirely inaccurate. True, the members that make up your blood relations are not chosen by you, however if you are very lucky, then you end up finding your other family, those who can color your life equally and dramatically.

We were lucky in that way, and the stories and themes that are woven throughout Prepare to Come About exemplify the ties of both types of our families. The peaks, the ebbs and the strong bonds of those connections are quintessential to the book.

I’ve enjoyed the entire process of writing and editing the chapters of my book. Through the work that has gone into the memoir, I’ve discovered quite a bit about myself and grown to appreciate those families even more than before–during both the good and the bad times.

In the last few months, we’ve had a few losses in our families, by unexpected illness, emotional distress and accidents. Several of them are characters in the book. I’m grateful that they’ll always be a part of my story, both on the page and in my memories. John Lennon said it best. “Life is what happens when you’re making other plans.”

I hope that you’ll enjoy the video, the scenery alone is worth the watching. A special thanks to new friends Forest Sun and Ingrid Serban for their song Twenty Toes in the Sand.