Acknowledgement

"Every secret of a writer’s soul, every experience of his life, every quality of his mind is written large in his works.” (Virginia Wolfe). This written work is no exception. My experience and the individuals surrounding me in each encounter have shaped my thoughts and actions, ultimately influencing the voice written here. At this pivotal moment in my life, I have been blessed again to be surrounded by angels. Without them, this book would be obsolete. The journey began with an encounter with a young man who will take a risk on a non-native stranger. Regardless of how this part ends, Michael Paul, I am eternally grateful for giving me something priceless. Without you, this would have been nothing more than words scratched down on memo paper. The journey with you has been a life changing experience. Thank you for taking me in and introducing me to five unforgettable ladies. The five sisters bonded together with unbreakable ties. I am forever inspired by the dynamics of their sisterhood. The roots of family loyalty exhibit their commitment with their weekly gathering every week where they show the world there is a loyalty out there with bonds that can never be broken. So, it is hats off to the Cammisano sisters, breathing creativity to the foundation of a true sisterhood, which is a large part of the basis of this series. Thank you for showing the world that humans can have a loyalty that creates an unbreakable bond impervious to the powers of persuasion. A special thank you goes out to one sister Pat, I thank you and your husband Carl for believing in a girl where hope was fading fast. Pat, being the first reader and critic given the nod of approval, was excited about the date of the book’s publication. Pat, you are truly an angel that spreads her wings while she touches those that cross her path with a pure heart. She and her sisters shed light in the darkest of places. Next, I must again thank my grandparents for the amazing impact they have had in my life. Their selfless love gave me the opportunity to gain diversity and culture on this winding road the good lord paved for me to walk. I am forever indebted to them for giving me the right amount of guidance and freedom, allowing me to expand my horizons beyond what I never dreamed possible. I am thankful to my grandfather, a retired English professor and published author himself, for strict editing, throughout high school and college consistently bleeding with the red ink used to correct them. Even though he is in Heaven, it feels as if he still guides my hands, allowing the words to flow eloquently onto the page. And to my grandmother who still gives guidance with her wise words and beautiful disposition. To my dad, who is still giving me inner strength as he shines from the heavens that lay in the sky looking over us all. And a huge gratitude goes to my brother beautiful for the man he has chosen to become. His mind has clarity that is mixed with an unstoppable will. He never is harsh with his words, instead, he continues with life practices of self-discipline. His graceful demeanor exhibits self-control regardless of what difficulties cross his path. Something memorable filled one of our recent conversations after our father just passed away. When we got past the normal head shaking and loss for words, my dear brother ends with this inspirational verbiage: “Josie this has been one of the hardest things ever, losing your father. Well, I’ll talk to you soon, but for now, I’m going to go and continue on this wonderful journey God calls life.”metss

Introduction