Acknowledgements
It is with tremendous pleasure that I honor and thank my mother,Debra Fernandez, for laying a solid foundation that allowed me to become the woman I am today, and for still loving me in the moments she likely wanted to wring my neck. Thank you for teaching me to believe in myself, to be strong, independent, and that you teach people how to treat you. Thank you for instilling in me the belief that the sky is the limit and I can be anything I want to be. Thank you for being my mom and the best mom in the whole wide world.
I am grateful for this opportunity to honor and thank my stepfather,Dale Fernandez, for loving my mother unconditionally and for showing me proof that true love never dies.
I must thank my father,Jerry Domby Sr., for passing his free spirit and unforgettable smile down to me. I do wish he were here to read this, but I know he’s looking down upon me with joy.
I would also like to thank and honor my brother,Jerry Domby Jr., sister-in-lawNatasha Domby, and my nephewsJaxon Domby andMason Domby for the memories, love, and laughter shared on our biannual holiday get togethers, which I get to cherish forever.
Thank you to my wonderful AuntiesRegina Sifford andPaula Braley, and to my beautiful cousinsCammie Sgarella Smith,Lorrie Sgarella,Brittany Burk, andCortenay Jeter. I love you all so very much. An extra thank you to myAunt Paula for taking time to read my writing, give feedback, and suggest edits.
I must also extend my love and gratitude to my sweet fur babiesSaturn andJupiter for being the best co-hosts and writing buddies of all time. They guarantee a smile on my face every day and on the faces of everyone they meet.
To my first true love,Ahmed Shehata (1973–2012), I am blessed for every day that we shared and for the unconditional love you gave me. Thank you for teaching me the true meaning of “It is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all,” and “Life is short,” when you did. Your love transcends time and space to this day. I am the woman you see before you and can fully live boldly, love deeply, and laugh always because of you.
Thank you to my d
