Thank You!!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who fully supported me in reaching my educational goals. There are a handful of special people who never questioned my purpose, never complained when my standard answer was "I can't - I have homework to do," did things for me when I didn't have the time to do them myself and who were there for me without fail....

First and foremost, the one who sacrificed the most, my wonderful daughter, Jessica.

Jessica spent many nights on her own as I was strapped to my computer, typing papers and putting together Power Point presentations. She spent almost every Thursday night at her Grandma Liz and Grandpa Jack's house when I was in class, fended for herself when I had too much to do to help her get things done, cooked dinner for me countless times when I was under a short deadline, and she did it all without a word. She understood my goal and how important it was to me. It would have been a lot tougher on me if she hadn't been so understanding and supportive. Baby girl, I love you more than words can say and I will always be grateful to you for everything you did to help me get that diploma.

Second, my parents, Jim and June

Mom and Dad where there for me every step of the way, and understood my goal and the time constraints that came with it. They listened countless times as I called them, marveling about a good grade, or complaining about a class, instructor or assignment. They never failed to remind me that, yes, there really WAS a degree waiting for me if I could just get through the bad times. Dad inspired me to go to the University of Phoenix after he graduated from the school in 1997. Mom and Dad, I love you and will always be grateful for your support and your willingness to listen.

Third, Jack and Liz, Jessica's paternal grandparents who I still reverently consider my mother- and father-in law.

Jack and Liz were a critical element to my success. Every Thursday night, they allowed Jessica to spend the night with them so I could go to class. It was a standing arrangement, and if they had plans on a given Thursday, they included Jessica in those plans rather than telling me I had to skip class to be with her. If they hadn't been willing to do this for me, I would have had to have waited several more years to start this adventure - I would have had to have waited until Jessica was old enough to stay home in the evening by herself. It is very much due to them that I accomplished this now rather than three years from now. Jack and Liz, I love you both, and you'll never really know how much you mean to me. Thank you for everything you've done, and continue to do, not only for me, but for Jessica as well.

Fourth, Tammy, Sascha and Dominic

Tammy, Sascha and Dominic, though the kids probably don't realize it, were a great source of support for me. Tammy dealt with my work load the whole time, knowing I wasn't able to do some of things we wanted to do, not only just the two of us, but with all of our kids, too. She never complained and was a great cheerleader for me. She read some of my papers, and even though she didn't know what I was talking about a lot of the time, she critiqued my work and gave fantastic advice. Sascha and Dominic had special things going on that I couldn't attend because I had to be in class, and they always understood - they may have been disappointed, but they understood. Tammy's my sistah, and I love her with all of my heart; Sascha and Dominic are like my own kids and I love them dearly. Thanks to all of you for being there and for understanding.

And last, but not anywhere near least, Deb and Whit

What would I have done without Deb and Whit? Family for longer than I can remember, they were there for me, helping me financially when no one else was able to. Without them and their generosity, I would have had to have quit school for six months every year until my employer reimbursement kicked in again. They helped me maintain my schedule, then dismissed my debt to them as a graduation present. They are such wonderful people, no words can convey that to those who don't know them. Deb and Whit, I love you more than I can put into words, and I will be eternally grateful to you for all you have done for me.