by Pascal Marco
Finally, three people have had a profound impact upon my life and my writing, first, Mike Cronin: your voice and passion for all things creative has been a life-long inspiration to me. Next, Bettina Chiarmonte Gosselin: you believed in my ability to write a story that would capture the uniqueness of our hometown, Chicago. Your enduring friendship is cherished and your consistent encouragement throughout the process will never be forgotten. Molto grazie, signora.
Finally, I now know the fullest meaning of the word muse. For forty years Karen Cronin Marco has been my lighthouse beacon, showing me the way, keeping me from crashing against the rocks. I fell in love with her the first day I saw her. She is without doubt the finest person I’ve ever met and knowing her has been the greatest privilege of my life. She is my best friend. A persevering life coach, this book is the culmination of her relentless belief in me and the good she has always seen in me that I never saw in myself. I will never be able to thank her enough.
