Dedication

Completing this book brings great joy to both of us. The time and energy needed to complete it required compromises, understanding and support from those closest to us. They are the ones who made many sacrifices, putting up with the hours of seclusion that are needed for writers to organise their thoughts in a reasonably coherent fashion.

Jim would like to take this opportunity to dedicate this book to the most important people in his life. The first is Colleen, who has been his best friend and wife for forty years. The second is their youngest daughter Julie who has recently faced a challenging personal health situation. She has personified all of the values and characteristics that every parent hopes and wishes for – courage, perseverance, compassion and a firm belief in her ability to overcome any obstacle put in her way. Her determination and unrelenting courage provided the inspiration that was needed to finish the writing of this book in spite of the distractions we faced together as a family.

Both of these ladies helped Jim to maintain the focus and determination required to finish writing this book, even when it felt like their world was being turned upside down and inside out. His love for both of them creates the fire inside that is needed to achieve his goals in life.

At times, Jim believed that his eldest daughter Heather, who passed away in 1994, also contributed to this project. It felt like she fulfilled her role as his guardian angel on those days when it was hard to find the motivation to sit down at the computer and put ideas into script that made sense and was comprehensible.

For Vicki, this book is dedicated to her life partner and husband of thirty years, Paul. He has been there, all the way, on an interesting life and professional career.

Thanks to all of these special people who are so dear to us, for being there when we needed them.