Why "A Lifetime of Thanks"

"We are the sum total of all of our experiences"

I'm not sure who said it first.  It is a quote that has been reshaped and said by many, and yet it is one that I find resonates so true to my own life.  I could tell you a tale of woe to pluck your heartstrings and gain your sympathy or God forbid, pity.  I've faced enough adversity and certainly my share of personal tragedies for you to feel sorry for me.

If I were to do that though, it would certainly be a disservice to those people that have helped me along the way.  For even though I survived a childhood some would call a hot mess, I did survive and I have come so far from that darkness to stand where I am today.  As a child I knew there were people around me that were good, I was thankful for the kindnesses they showed me.

However, as we grow older one of our many rewards of age is perspective.  Looking back, I see now that were it not for the efforts put forth by so many people, I would not be sitting here, enjoying my life and writing this today. 

This book is about more than just the journeys my life has taken me on.  It is about thanking the people that have helped me along the way.  It is about the words that were left unsaid.  Thank you.