DEDICATION

To three very special guys: My husband, Terry, and our sons, Blake and Chad. You inspire me.

And to the memory of my dad, Alvin Self, whose life was his testimony.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thank you, God, for your enduring grace and mercy. Mom, Sue, and Glenda, thanks for believing in me. Elouise, thanks for taking me under your wing and teaching me the basics of writing. Mildred, thanks for reading countless pages and pointing out my horrid grammatical blunders. Sheri, thanks for sharing your expertise on hypothermia with me. Gail, thanks for helping me out during the last-minute squeeze. To the special educaiton department of Lumpkin County Schools, especially Margaret, thanks for your special care of my son. And last but far from least, I'd like to thank two very special ladies. Priscilla, my kindred spirit, God definitely hand a hand in steering you my way. He really is amazing. And Margot . . . what can I say? I've never seen your face or heard your voice, but I feel we've been friends forever. Thank God for e-mail.