Dad. In many, many ways, the most positive influence on my life. Was he perfect? No. Was he a “great” man? No. But he was a good man. An honest man. A kind, hardworking, reliable, loving man. He was smart, talented, patient, and capable. He figured things out, solved day-to-day problems, made things work. He taught me to be strong, independent, resourceful. He loved me , and in a strange, unexpected way, he put his hand on my pen and caused me to write this book – as a tribute to him, so you, and others, will know who he was. I miss him. Please read my book; you’ll love him too.