The Turning Season (35 page)

As I intend to do. As I believe I can. I will gather my friends tightly around me and hold on, and never let go, and never give up. I will love without fear and face change without trepidation. I will start celebrating the gifts life brings me, no matter how bitter, on some days, they seem. And I will never, inside the curse, stop searching for the blessing.

To Tami Beckeman, who patiently provided me with insights into being a vet. And cooked the meal!

To Rachel Neumeier, who came up with some cool ideas about shape-shifter science.

(It's not their fault if I didn't always listen to what they said.)

And to Ginjer Buchanan, who was my editor for twenty years. Thanks for the great advice, the wonderful dinners, and the always-entertaining conversation.