River of Time

by Naomi Judd

  Poet, novelist, civil rights activist, and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, Maya Angelou, slicing into the pineapple upside down cake I made for her.

  Sometimes Larry would sing harmony with me. I wish I had known him when he was singing backup for Elvis.

  Acknowledgments

  My heartfelt desire is to help others by telling my story and I fully appreciate those who supported my determined goal:

  First, love and gratitude to my family: always to my beloved daughters, Ashley and Wynonna, who hold my heart in their hands and always will, and my cherished grandson, Elijah, who lifted my spirits with his dedication to his “Mamaw,” along with his sweet Haley. No one carried me through this dark and frightening time more than my husband, Larry. He never left my side and believed in a better day to come, even when I no longer had faith. I am more in love with him now than ever, thirty-seven years strong!

  Dr. Mona Lisa Schulz, who has become family to me. Her professional guidance was eclipsed only by her caring and devoted friendship. For more than twenty years she has been a dependable touchstone. Thank you, my friend.

  Mel Berger of William Morris Endeavor, thank you for our long association (this is our third book together!) and for your support of this endeavor.

  Kate Hartson and her enthusiastic staff at Center Street books, I appreciate your nonstop devotion to this project. The pleasure has been mine.

  Marcia Wilkie, thank you for partnering with me on this book. You were a consummate professional on every level and crafted my complicated story in a way that strongly represents the hell I survived and the eventual peace I’ve found. No easy feat. I feel I’ve made a new friend.

  My management team: Greg Hill and Jeri Cooper and the rest of the staff at Hill Entertainment Group. Thank you for your insightful career guidance and for wrangling new opportunities. Keep ’em coming!

  My sincere gratitude to the incredible and gentle mental health professionals who brought me through my toughest trials and held a place for me to find my true self once more: Ted Klontz, PhD, who has been a steady presence for my family for decades; Diana Partington, PhD, who gave me a plan and reminded me that I’m a woman of purpose and passion; and Dr. Jerrold Rosenbaum, who took me on as a patient at my lowest hour and treated my brain disease with dignity. There was great comfort in trusting the exceptional care he provided. Other health care professionals deserving of my appreciation include: Dr. Scott Parker, Dr. W. O’Donnell, Dr. Aaron Milstone, the RNs of the Vanderbilt Psychiatric Unit, and those who have taught me so much: Dr. Francis Collins, Dr. Andrew Weil, Dr. David Perlmutter, and Dr. Dean Ornish.

  Many dear friends, both old and new, gave me hope and support. It means so much to me. Thank you: Roy and Helen Snow, Angie Hickman, Sunny Rosenbalm, Casey Martin, Sonya Yontz, Teresa Hughes, Doris McMillan, Doug and Summer Williamson, Don and Christina Potter, Tara Dulin, Kris Wiatr and staff, Beth Gebhard and staff, the Picnic People, the Ya-Ya’s and the Yo-Yo’s, and Melanie Shelley, who styled my hair for the book cover.

  Finally, to my fellow depression sufferers: I feel such a great fullness in my heart for you, for trusting me with your innermost secrets and vulnerabilities. I have learned as much from you as from the doctors and therapists. Remember, our futures are bigger than our pasts.

  MARCIA WILKIE ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  Aton of gratitude to Mel Berger of William Morris Endeavor; working with you is always a true pleasure.

  Sincere appreciation to Kate Hartson, executive editor at Center Street; editor Jennifer Josephy; and editorial assistant Grace Tweedy.

  A special thank-you to Patricia Bechdolt for her flawless management support.

  To Naomi Judd, your story of perseverance and determination has been inspiring. Thank you.

  Thank you for buying this ebook, published by Hachette Digital.

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