The Dead Don't Dance (32 page)

Our boys—Charlie, John T., and Rives. Thanks for running in here and hugging my legs or asking me to play catch or go fishing or build Legos or wrestle at regular intervals. I needed it. Still do. Always will. Most importantly, thank you for praying for my books. This is proof the Lord really does answer us, and I think you three had a lot to do with it.

Christy. Phew! I'm worn out. How about you? Ready for a vacation? You've earned it. Anywhere you want to go, just as soon as we pay off the credit card. How you kept your sanity through ten years of marriage, graduate school, three boys, and my dreams is a mystery. You amaze me. People ask me how I created Maggie, but I didn't have to look very far. She was walking around my house, digging in the yard, tucking in my boys, whispering in my ear, holding my hand, and sticking her foot in my back. Thank you for believing in me and hoping with me, because I know there were many days in this process when I was less than lovable.

Lord. What can I say that You haven't already heard? Thank You for this, for the people I've listed, and for hanging in there with a guy like me. My cup runs over.