by Kim Goldman
To my friends over the years, no matter how often we talk or see each other, it’s always like coming home—each of you has earned a special place in my heart. And to Jana Cannon, Lauren Kaye Cohen, Chris Darden, Rich Davis, Todd Greenfield, Jode Mann, George Mueller, Nikki Rosenson, Sharyn Rosenblum, Stacy Sims, Gary Werner, Ron Woodward Jr., Jill Zimmerman...so much love to all of you! And an extra big hug to Calin Keeley and Joy Norton for always taking such good care of Sam; knowing he’s always in good hands, is a tremendous comfort.
To the Azenzer, Fleisher, Kaehny, MacDougall, Nilson, and Woodgerd families...thank you for always adopting Sam and me at the holidays and on your special occasions. We love being part of your celebrations, but more importantly, we love being part of your extended family. We are forever grateful and feel so loved.
Youth Project Board of Directors:Russ Briley, Jerry Citarella, Gregg Goodman, Lexie Feehan, Jennifer Henningfield, Tom Hough, Renee’ Kaehny, Brian Koegle, Danica Lynch, Martin Rodriguez, Nancy Starczyk, Kathy Watterson, and John Lutz, Ed Masterson, Stacy Miller, Rosalind Wayman...thank you for giving me the space and the respect to have a life alongside a career. Your support of me, and of my son, has been so heartfelt. I have never worked for a kinder, more compassionate group of people. Thank you for trusting me with the Youth Project, and for seeing something in me all those years ago when I joined your family.
The men in my world...whether or not our relationship lasted three months or three years, you each have left enduring imprints that have allowed me to flourish. You taught me about my truth, integrity, boundaries, and the value of my love. I am forever impacted by the role you played in my life—thank you for being part of the adventure.
Joel Adelman, the day I met you changed me forever. I have never felt more safe, more vulnerable, more empowered, than in the hours I spent with you each month. You have challenged me to grow and to see the value of who I am. You normalize my life, which makes it manageable for me. Thank you for reminding me to trust myself and to keep risking—as you always say, “what’s the worse that will happen?” I have such comfort in knowing you are in my corner. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Jonathan Polak, my dear friend and attorney. Thank you for indulging my whims, my rants, my emotions, and my hardheaded thinking, which always softened after a few chats. I appreciate, more than you will ever know, the commitment you made to my father and me to ensure justice for Ron. You put our integrity and honor first, before the law, and allowed that to determine our ongoing course of action—thank you for believing in our cause. Blue Tie, I am so happy and honored to have you on our team and part of my inner circle.
Leslie Garson and Michael Wright, my incredible friends and talented PR team...I feel like I have known you both my whole life. We met under such intense circumstances and found a true friendship buried among the chaos. Thank you for your honesty, your dedication, humor, commitment, and creativity...this project would not have come to fruition if it weren’t for your faith in me. I will forever be grateful to you both for making it happen. You guys are the best. Much love to you and the kiddos.
Glenn Yeffeth, my wonderful publisher...Thank you for your vision, for maintaining my voice, and for taking such good care of my “life.” I am humbled by the trust and faith you placed in me, and for offering such strong support and guidance. Katie Kennedy, Sarah Dombrowsky, and the rest of the wonderful team at BenBella Publishing—I am honored to be working with all of you. Cheers to a long relationship.
To the victims and survivors of crime, thank you for giving me the courage to stand tall. Your faith and support in our family all these years has helped my healing tremendously. The outpouring of love and kindness that still exists after all this time has passed has been deeply felt and profoundly appreciated. I am proud to stand among you as we fight for justice; collectively our voices are loud and inspiring...we are a force to be reckoned with. My hand will always be extended to you and your family. Take care of your hearts and your healing.
