Normal

by Magdalena Newman

  First of all, I would like to thank Hilary Liftin, my amazing collaborator. Without you, this book simply would not exist. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for listening so patiently to all of the stories that took place in my life and placing them so brilliantly into the pages of this book. Thank you for your wise advice and humor that made some of the “heavy” subjects more bearable. I am forever grateful for our friendship, not only on a professional level. You have taught me so much about having my own voice and truly listening to everyone with an open mind.

  I would like to thank my husband, Russel. I am not an easy person to be married to and the fact that you are still around means that you truly love me. I love you dearly and appreciate everything you have done for our family. You always found the way to look forward with a smile, despite many dark moments that filled our path. Our children are lucky to have you as their dad because you have taught them not only how to love and care, but also how to be responsible for their own actions and respectful to others.

  Many thanks to my amazing sons, Nathaniel and Jacob. You are the reason that I am alive. You both keep me going, you put a smile on my face, and you always remind me how lucky I am to have you as my children.

  I would like to thank Daniel Greenberg, my literary agent. Thank you for representing me and my story in the publishing world. I will never forget the first journey you took me on in NYC to introduce me to publishers. I got to see a beautiful and kind world of literature, how much happens “behind the scenes,” and how many people are involved. I loved exploring this world with you and will never forget our adventure. Thank you for all of your effort to bring this story to life. Thanks to Tim Wojcik at Levine Greenberg Literary Agency for picking up the phone when I called and connecting me to Daniel, and for all his work afterward.

  I would like to thank Deb Brody and Jamie Selzer, our amazing editors. Thank you for taking the time and giving us such constructive feedback in the editing process. Because of your hard and thorough work, this book has a shape and form that makes total sense.

  Thank you to all of the doctors across the country who took care of my health needs, especially Drs. Alfred Newman, Larry Mogul, and Oliver Press. I owe my life to you. Because of your medical expertise and hope, I am still on this earth and able to share my story.

  Thanks to Dr. Joseph McCarthy. I will never forget what you told me about allowing Nathaniel to be a kid, that you could fix a broken arm but not his psyche. I took those wise words to heart and used them as my mantra in the early years of Nathaniel’s childhood. Thank you for all you did for Nathaniel. Your pioneering medical procedures not only changed my son’s life but are changing and improving many lives right now.

  Thank you to Dr. Joseph Bernstein and Dr. Kaalan Johnson. We could not have dreamed of more caring and loving ENTs. Thank you for not giving up on Nathaniel and always giving us hope. Because of that hope and your amazing surgical skills, Nathaniel is finally trach-free.

  Thank you to Dr. Richard Hopper. Your game-changing, pioneering procedure has made our dreams for Nathaniel a reality.

  Thank you to the wonderful army of nurses from various hospitals across the country. Your love and care always brightened our days. Many of those days were dark and filled with fear and tears, and because of your smiles and positivity we were able to keep going.

  Thank you to Pat Chibbaro and Shelley Cohen from NYU Medical Center. I will never forget how much hope you gave me. You became my family away from home in the early days of Nathaniel’s life. I will never forget your friendship, love, and support.

  Thank you to my family in Poland. You are always here for me, willing to listen, cry, and laugh with me. Thank you for your unconditional love. I am always looking forward to our next national park adventure.

  Finally, I would like to thank R.J. Palacio. Many years ago, when we first met, you planted the seed of desire in me to write a book one day. The idea was brewing for quite some time, and finally the book is here. Thank you for introducing me to Daniel Greenberg and Jim Levine. I am truly grateful for all of your support. And thank you for writing Wonder. Your little blue book not only made life for children like my son much easier, but will have a tremendous impact on generations to come. You have taught so many children to accept differences and how to be kind to each other. I can’t wait for them to grow up and lead us all.

  About the Author

  Magdalena Newman lives in Seattle, Washington, with her husband and two sons.

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