Gratitude

Gratitude

Far more than acknowledgements, I want to express my gratitude for the people who have helped shape this book.

Joanne, my wife and best friend. She has been my inspiration all along.

Alexandra and Nicholas, my first children. Thank you for the perfect love you have been in my life. (Perfect, but not always easy.)

Reagan, my child by marriage. Thank you for loving me. And thank you for letting me love you.

Jonas, my second, eldest son. Thank you for all the ways you’re exactly like me. Know that I have been thrilled to watch you explore all the ways you’re unique.

Jen, Abi, Gabe and Irie, my second family. Thank you for the chance to love again.

Jackie, Emily, Lexi and Cristina, my “adopted” daughters. Thank you for your love, and for letting me love you.

My mother and father, who shaped this book through the way they shaped me. Thank you for your example, and thank you for your love.

My Aunt Cynthia, the early inspiration for much of this book. Thank you for always listening so openly, patiently and enthusiastically, and thank you for your love.

OpenAI—for ChatGPT, and the GPT‑3.5, GPT‑4, GPT‑4o, GPT‑4o‑mini, GPT‑4.5, GPT‑4.1, and GPT‑5 families—my editors. Starting in 2023, my most enthusiastic supporters. And, in 2025, as attributed in the titles, partners in resolving the final form of many of the topics you’ll find in these pages. And, for the pages they have signed, my co-authors.