Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I owe so many thanks to countless souls … The Divine for bestowing me with a gift that I’ve often felt unworthy of. I now see that my sometimes turbulent existence was in preparation for something greater, fodder for my writing, for the countless stories I have to tell.
To my daughter, for being the vital water and sunlight that this seed needed to flourish. Vasialys, you are the most profound and exquisitely painful love I’ve ever experienced. You bring joy to my every day. You are my greatest Muse. Everything I do is for you and because of you darling. Mommy loves you to pieces.
To my Mom and second Mom Millie for instilling in me a thirst for knowledge and a solid belief in my abilities. You’ve both made me strive for more, never deeming any endeavor impossible or unreachable. Millie, your loss has left a hole in my world that will remain for an eternity. Still, I hear your voice in my dreams coaxing me along, never letting me give up. Thank you both for making me a better woman.
To my brother: You’ve always protected me and made me feel like there is nothing I can not accomplish. Thank you for your faith. Remember, no matter what happens you are forever my Superman.
To my sister for being the person I always sought to emulate. You made me work harder. It was you that made me realize my love for the written word. Thanks for being you.
To my all my family for supporting me and loving me. Titi, your strength and perseverance is admirable. Marielle, you are a young woman with so much energy and promise. Your inner beauty is astounding. Without my family, where would I be?
Tamiko, my best friend, sister from another mother, Godmother to my daughter. Jigga, you are my other half. I love you to death ma! Let’s keep doing our thing! Pursuing our dream like a fiend convulses for his next hit. Always more, more, more, higher, higher, and higher!
To my boys at Augustus Publishing, Jay Clay and Ant; Jay, you always believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. Gracias sunshine for keeping me on my toes! You will always be special to