Yesterday I received an advanced copy of my novel and it was quite startling to actually hold the finished copy in my hands.As I examined each chapter I was reminded of how many people were actually involved in the process. From day one, there were those who lent ideas,made suggestions,critiqued passages and edited endless rewrites. Others were supportive when the writing became sluggish and lent emotional help when the pen was still, and the creative spirit was sluggish. All in all, I realized that when I held the book in my hands that it was the work of a community of friends and loved ones that had written the work.Life is filled with so many moments when a word,a gesture or a helping hand unseen makes a tremendous difference. Today I basque in all of the acts of concern that have been showered on me in this process.