To the new family who have embraced me.

To the first friends who have watched and loved me through nearly three decades of development.

To the friends who entered my life during a time of tumult and watched the slow but steady ascent to calm.

To the two mentors�the professor and the doctor�who watched me walk into walls as I struggled to see the possibilities that they held out for me and, over time, witnessed my acceptance of them, and triumph.

To the parents whose hearts broke and healed so many times, sewn back together with the mantra "We want you to be happy."

To the Husband who is really no longer an Almost but an Actual, a partner, supporter, all encompassing warmth with a patience unmatched by anyone else on this earth.

To us, not strengthened but confirmed by a simple ritual, one day in May.