Choosing to SEE - Mary Beth Chapman [105]
Ellen Vaughn. You are lovely. Not only are you a gifted writer, you were not afraid to step into the messiness and pain of my life. Thank you for coaching me and helping me bring this story from deep within my soul.
The entire gang at Creative Trust. Jim Houser ##., you are the best manager to work for (LOL). You are a brave man for taking on the Chapman clan. Thanks doesn’t seem enough for all we’ve put you through. Dan Raines, Jeanie Kaserman, Kathy Helmers, Meredith Smith, Jenny, Jessica, and the rest: I am grateful for your hard work and diligence in making this book a reality! Thank you for believing. Thanks also to the Chapman web guru, Dale Manning.
To my new family at Revell. Andrea Doering, you are so kind and wise. Twila, Cheryl, Jennifer, Michele, Deonne, Amy, and Mary: I have truly enjoyed learning the process of the book world and am grateful for the hours of work you have done on my behalf. Even when I was driving everyone crazy, I totally felt like you were for me. Thanks for putting up with my idiosyncrasies in trying to deliver the “perfect book.” I really tried not to have control issues, but then, something just takes over! You all have been nothing short of stellar in believing in a story of a woman who somehow ended up in a life she didn’t plan! God so knew what I needed. Thank you! Please know that handling this story as gently and as carefully as you have does not go unnoticed.
Beth Moore. I have admired your work for many Bible studies. Breaking Free changed my life several years ago. Only God in His infinite wisdom would have us connect in the ways that we have. I am flat honored that you shared your precious dream with the reader of this book. My confirmation to move forward and to know in confidence that there is no doubt a wiggly, sticky little girl who goes with me and all is well with her soul. I thank my God for you!
The Women of Faith team. Thanks for the encouragement and for allowing me a place to feel safe while I learn the process of sharing my story.
(Danny) and Melissa, the best Missa in the world. Maria was blessed to know you. I know you miss her, and I’m so sorry for the ache in your heart. Your unwavering belief and reminders to me of where Maria is have kept me breathing on days. She loves you, to infinity and beyond!
David Trask, did you ever know that you’re my hero? Thank you for serving the Chapman family as road manager all these years. You’re living your own pain-filled life and still have made yourself 100 percent available to us, especially Will.
Grace (amazing), Sydney, Herbie, and Wendy. The people behind the Chapmans. What would we do without you to make Steven and I look like we are half sane. You all have been through it with us. Not only walking with us through the pain of loosing Maria, but the pain of watching Steven and me doing our best to allow God to be honored in the story of our lives. Thank you for being the people behind us that we can count on to do the daily “stuff” that keeps us moving forward.
Show Hope – my passion. Steven and I have been blessed to be part of an amazing ministry that all began out of a desire to get children adopted into loving homes and offer care to orphans around the world. The staff as well as the board are the most amazing group of passionate people in the world. God has blessed us beyond measure with our fearless, godly leader, Scott Hasenbalg (when I say Scott, I mean his wife Kerry as well). Scott, you are long-suffering and gentle, always putting others first. You have led Show Hope greatly by being a living example of humility. Charley, Wendy, David, Nick, Kathy, McKensey, Julia, Caleb, Cathy, Melissa, Katie, Brooke, Lind-sey, Stacie, Phil and Emily: “I have an idea . . .” jk. I love you dearly. Your commitment to your work and helping the fatherless without voices of their own is inspiring. I appreciate your dedication!
The friends that held us up during the darkest, longest hours of our life:
Reggie, Karen, and the crew. There are no words for what you endured by loving us during this time.