In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

xiii The number of people who gave me invaluable help with this book is staggering . Friends, colleagues, family, acquaintances, strangers–their contributions made the development and completion of my work possible. I thank them all. Included in this number are Professors Jennifer Grant Haworth, Clifton Conrad, and Terry Williams, whose critiques, encouragement, guidance, and genuine interest in my research were indispensable. I thank my friends and colleagues who made their histories available to me, applauded my work, offered to proofread, and provided constructive criticism of whatever text or idea I shared with them. I am grateful to all the virtual and complete strangers who were invariably open to discussing my research, offering their own stories , and recommending potential interviewees for my study. My debt and gratitude to the participants in the study cannot be overstated. They are all outstanding individuals who took me, for a time, into their lives. They are shining examples of resiliency, generosity, and positive intention. Without them this book would not have been written. As for my family, their love, strength, and encouragement never faltered. They believed that I would finish this book and that it would be published. Acknowledgments ...

Share