Paying tribute to vibrant souls who had a long lasting effect. Enough for me to include them in the dedication page. My only regret is that this list grew to five names.

A friend who had been a journalist. Debbie had plans of helping write a book with actor/activist Shirley Douglas. Never affected by fame, she always kept both feet firmly on the ground. She succumbed to cancer. I never had a chance to say goodbye. She left behind a loving husband and two children.

Torri was a bright, vibrant, and talented 16 year-old who's life was tragically cut short in a car accident. The lone fatality among four teenage girls who were driving around the South Shore of Boston. Torri was the only child of Lucy Wightman and the daughter of Aerosmith tour coordinator Donald Wightman Jr. A tribute concert was given in March of '08. A foundation has been created by her parents for safe driving through In Control Advanced Driver Training.

Heitzmann's passing came as a tragedy because of the circumstances of which were delivered by a loved one. Mimi was beloved by her quaint little town of Bay St. Louis in Mississippi. A survivor of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, she always looked for the positive. It was with her influence that I set forth in following through becoming an author. In her 57 years, she had accomplished writing three novels based on her beloved town.

Massaro was a huge music fan who lived her life to the fullest, taking opportunities to meet her idols. She was a free spirit, quirky with tons of personality. She touched lives with her humor and her drive for success. Days before her senseless, untimely, and tragic death, Monica had trumpeted her success that she had become self-employed for the first time with a cleaning business. Her passing was of shock and pain.

Godfrey had been the voice of radio on CHYM in Ontario, Canada for a number of years. Always a sweet and loving man, his favorite line of hope and inspiration was "Shine On." His passing was peaceful. The same as him. Robert's enthusiasm extended beyond radio, into collecting guitars. Most important, he was a family man.