To Donny Prater, a Christian blogger and author of A Man Coming Alive in Christ, for picking us up when we had fallen–November 30, 2006. All it took was one caring and encouraging E-mail. I will never forget it.

To Tom and Cathy, at New Drone. You helped a computer illiterate geologist get out of the rocks and learn how to fly. Thanks for designing and maintaining my web site, for those countless tips on internet marketing, and for those 3:00 a.m. sessions as we put it all together. You held my hand, but encouraged my independence when it would have been to your financial advantage to make me dependent on you.

To Ethan (my youngest son). For sleeping on my chest at night (no better feeling in the world!) and for laughing at my silliness. Thanks for bringing heaven down here.

To Jackson (my oldest son). My adrenaline junkie. For telling me you worried about me when I went to work, which gave me the courage to leave my employment with the state of Kentucky to create Path Choices. In your early years, you had three favorite words that have taught me a lot: “home,” “try,” and “idea.”

Each night, when you lay down in bed and your mind starts to drift away, you ask me, "Daddy, will you fight the bad guys when they come?" I always answer, "Yes, I will." But this is just a partial response. The whole truth is I try to fight them every day. For they attack me all the time--in my thoughts, in my reactions, in my choices. Yes, Jackson, I'll keep fighting, and I'll never give up. I promise you that.

I need to tell a story. In the fall of 2007, when you were four, I was having a tough day--I forgot some promises to your mom (to get groceries), had just taught a tough class, and was falling behind on finishing "Getting Seen." You and I braved a chilly autumn night and went to get groceries. We were coming out of Kroger's at about 10:00 at night. The temperature had dropped even more, and a light rain had morphed into a steady downpour. I was tired, frustrated, and feeling miserable--inside and out. As we reached our van, a car drove by and splashed us. We were both freezing and totally soaked from head to foot. I was more than a little ready for this day to end. Then--when I was putting you in the car--you turned to look me directly in the eyes, grabbed my face with both of your little hands, and said, "Pretty day out!" And your face glowed with joy and contentedness. You have taught me much.

To Barbara (my oldest daughter). For teaching me the most powerful tool in breaking my own shackles: forgiveness. I have watched you over the years and learned from your courage, your values, and your zest for life. What a blessing you are for the world!

To Rachael (my youngest daughter). For forgiving me when I fall, for teaching me how to teach, and for showing me that I can do anything for a few minutes (riding The Vortex at Kings Island). You are a beautiful mix of fire and ice. And you are my role model as an author.

I suggested you give up on reaching Regionals when you were competing at Carmel. I told you that you would have to skate more, watch your diet more, do more off-ice training, you won't have any free time, and you wouldn't have time to do much with your friends. I told you the price was too high. But you did it anyway. I have never been so ashamed of myself or proud of you. Well done, my ice princess.

To Kari (my wife). For believing in me every step of the way as I created Path Choices. You have shown me what a person can do if they stop living life by the world’s standards. We’ve never looked back from the decisions we made on September 1, 1998, have we? It’s amazing what happens when you turn your life over to the will of God. It’s not easy, but it is amazing. I am awed by your intellect (graduating from college before you graduated from high school), and your gift as a mother and wife. You are drop dead gorgeous, and the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I will always love you, no matter what.

To our Baby who Miscarried. After all these years, I still think about you, love you, and miss you. You’d almost be a teenager now. I don’t know if you would be a boy or a girl. I wonder what you would have looked like, what your favorite foods would be, and what you would be teaching me. You sure would have loved your brothers and sisters.

To James Smith, who seems to live in a life parallel to mine. You are a brother, mentor, and colleague. We’ll change the world together, my friend.

To Larry Hoagland. For being my spiritual mentor, and constantly pushing against the world to demand more Christ-like behaviors. Larry, I carry the same 2 bills in my wallet that you do.

To My Parents. For raising us with love, patience and faith. You taught us to love God and respect others and ourselves. Thank you for showing us how to be good people.

To God. What am I without You? What is Path Choices without You? I dedicate this whole crazy work to Your holy name. Please forgive me when I fall short. May Path Choices make You proud.

To all of you, I owe more than I could ever give. Thanks.

James Hale