With a Little Help from Our Friends: Creating Community as We Grow Older

Acknowledgments

ix Acknowledgments This book would not have been possible without the openness of the many people who allowed me to visit their communities and who were willing to share their stories. Their names are in these pages, and I thank each one of them for their time, their honesty, and their trust. In particular, Gail kohn was a valuable resource and font of insights who made many of these journeys more rewarding (and fun). My friend Barbara armstrong greatly encouraged me with her enthusiastic review of my manuscript. katie Pugliese contributed her considerable computer skills to assist me with the index. My wonderful neighbors and the members of the Washington ethical Society have taught me the meaning and value of living surrounded by a close community of support. Many other friends and family members—you know who you are—have consistently believed in this project and encouraged me throughout the years I worked on it. Finally, Michael ames, director and editor of Vanderbilt University Press, has been a steadfast believer in my work, and for that I am eternally grateful. x With a Little Help from Our Friends ...