The land on which I work was originally the home of the Eastern Algonquian peoples, including the Nipmuc, Pocumtuc, and Agawam. I honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations and continue to steward it today. I make this acknowledgment to open a space of recognition, inclusion, and respect for all indigenous people in my community. At the core of my work is an intention to heal myself and to create space for others to heal. May the personal healing that I do, and that others do alongside me, contribute positive energy towards strengthening that space of recognition, inclusion, and respect for all indigenous people.

I honor with gratitude all of the people who have helped me to be here now and to become who I am as a human and as a writer.

I honor with gratitude all of the people who have allowed me to work with them and to witness their own growth as writers.

I honor with gratitude and hold a special place in my heart for my fellow writers through the Pioneer Valley Writers’ Workshop Prose Writing Group: Ali, Amanda, Ann, Chris, Dana, Diana, Melenie, Molly, Tad, and Tobias. Even deeper in my heart is gratitude for my first reader, Simon.