Lucky

Acknowledgments

The word lucky is my shorthand for blessed. I have been blessed by the people in my life.

Glen David Gold, my one true love.

Aimee Bender and Kathryn Chetkovich, my luscious titans. Great writers, great readers, great friends.

The master, Geoffrey Wolff, who saw the first forty pages and said, "You must write this book," then kept on reading, pen poised.

Ambassador Wilton Earnhardt, who, in my darkest, whiniest hour, said, "Send me that book, goddammit! I'm taking it to my agent!"

Gail Uebelhoer. Fifteen years later she did not hesitate. Her help with research was essential to these pages.

Pat McDonald. It all began on the thirteenth floor.

Emile Jarreau. While I wrote he taught me the true meaning of pain. It goes something like this: "Give me three more reps!"

Natombe, my wrinkled muse. She kept vigil on the rug beside me every morning, forgoing the walks she loved.

Eithne Carr. Brave.

I also want to acknowledge the institutions that have put food on my table or given me the gift of time: Hunter and FIND/SVP in New York, The Millay Colony for the Arts, The Ragdale Foundation, and especially Dorland Mountain Arts Colony and the MFA program at the University of California, Irvine.

My agent, Henry Dunow, because even after forty minutes of praise I still thought he was going to reject me and because, when I told him this, he completely understood the mind-set.

Jane Rosenman, my editor. I hope to be leaving lipstick traces on her shoes for years.

Those friends who appear in these pages and a few who don't: Judith Grossman, J. D. King, Michelle Latiolais, Dennis Paoli, Orren Perlman, and Arielle Read. Your support floods me with gratitude.

My sister, Mary, and my father, for being part of the show and sustaining the blows inherent in this. Never true believers in letting it all hang out-they let me hang a good portion of it out nonetheless.

Finally, I owe an endless thank-you to my mother. She has been my hero, my sparring partner, my inspiration, my spur. From the beginning-and I'm talking birth here-she has believed. The hard way, Mom. Here it is.