From the "Acknowledgments" page of my dissertation (which arrived in the mail today!):
"Celestial hands have carried me past the doubts, discouragement, and distractions that held me back during graduate school. I thank Them for everything I have and am.
"I cannot begin to imagine these years without my dear wife, Emily. With all the ups and downs, she never doubted. I have reached these heights, and will yet achieve others, because we fly together. I know that she will always be by my side, and I by hers.
"Although he passed away almost fourteen years ago, dad continues to inspire me to excellence. I am happy to carry his example into the next generation. Mom remains the constant force for good that she has always been. I am grateful for her tireless love and kindness. I also want to recognize my brother, Rob, who has always been one of my biggest fans. I thank him for always caring. To the rest of my large family of Wades, Redds, and the like, thank you for your love, friendship, and support.
"Few graduate students ever get to work with anyone as brilliant and kind as Edward Friedman. I consider myself privileged to be called one of his students, and feel honored to call him my mentor. I also recognize Dale, Valerie, Kit, and Earl, whose past and present mentoring have made all of this possible. Not to be forgotten is Dave, my academic big brother, and Ted, who started me on this journey years ago.
"I conclude by expressing gratitude to Vanderbilt University, which has been very good to me. I thank the College of Arts and Science, the Department of Spanish and Portuguese, and, especially, the Robert Penn Warren Center for the Humanities for their generous support and encouragement."
