She loved life, always had, even though she didn’t realize how much until she was faced with the uncertainty of death. Her past mistakes were her badge to carry and she refused to let them define her or her future.
This isn’t the end, but rather the beginning.
Don’t let substances control your life. This is your life and your responsibility to live it as well or as bad as you want. We only get one life, don’t waste it. It may not be easy, but there is always another choice.
The Serenity Prayer
God, grant me
the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the Courage to change the things I can,
and the Wisdom to know the difference.
by Reinhold Niebuhr
Acknowledgments
This book is a work of pure love and devotion. It is my first true young adult story. It is about friendship, first love, sacrifice, depression, downward spirals, addiction, and ultimately overcoming it all. This story means so much to me because I took from my own memories to write it.
There are so many factors that go into writing any story, and like many, I use my own life as the canvas. It makes every love, heart break and mistake all worth it. I won’t ever regret or feel ashamed about my past. It is mine and it made me who I am.
My list of thanks always seems to grow with each story, yet there are some who have been there and supported me from the very beginning.
My family— Eric and Brennan will always be at the top of my list. They are my biggest supporters and I wouldn’t have gotten as far as I have without them.
My mom— Nancy is my biggest fan and she is my biggest hero. I will spend my life looking up to that incredible woman.
My Personal Assistant, Amber Clark— She is my eyes for every story and help me make sure my wonderful works of art makes sense. She is also my voice when I don't have time for one myself.
Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing— I have been waiting for my chance to work with this publishing house and it finally happened. I am thrilled beyond belief and hope I am able to flourish even more.
My editor, Elizabeth Lance— I know with my crazy brain and dyslexic tendencies it makes my stories tough to look at when raw, but you cut through and make it make sense. I am so thankful for that.
My readers, fans, supporters— They are freaking awesome! The numbers continue to grow and it makes me so happy. My day is instantly made when I receive a message from someone after they have read one of my books and tell me how much they loved it.
Thank you all for everything you do for me. Please continue to read and spread the word, and I will continue to strive to entertain you as much as I can.
Hometown Girls: Beginnings (Hometown Girls Series Book 1) Page 12