I grew up in the four corners area of Arizona and have always held the deepest respect for the wonderful Native Americans that have inhabited that brutal country for millennia. The desolate land on which they live is unforgiving in nature; but yet, somehow it beams with life that should not be able to survive. It is my favorite place on earth, and has a spiritual beauty you can only understand by immersing yourself in it in person.

In this story, I have tried to respect the culture of the Hopi, and to honor them as a people. I have done this by drawing from my personal history growing up with them in Northern Arizona, and through the research I have conducted on their culture over the course of my life. As a result, I have done my best to ensure the accuracy of what I have written that involves the traditions and beliefs of the Hopi. This has not always been easy as the Hopi have no written language, are painfully guarded about their customs, and have one of the most complicated structures of any people that guides their entire existence. And of course, this is a work of fiction, requiring some literary freedom.

One of my fondest memories was a trip to Second Mesa in the heart of the Hopi nation. Completely unexpectedly, I was invited into the home of an elderly Hopi woman – a rare and special honor. When I left her home, and said my goodbye, she told me to breathe the air in from Second Mesa and take it with me. There are few greater gifts the Hopi will bestow than to encourage you take their air, or any part of their land, with you. I have never forgotten this special day in my life and think of it often. I have tried to remember and honor her spirit in this book.

This book is dedicated to my soulmate, my wife, who always amazes me with her creativity, patience, and spirit (not to mention her editing skills). To my mom, who taught me to make time to see the sunsets. To my dad, who had to suffer the thankless role of being a dad – as do all dads. To my best friends – my dogs: to Questy, who faithfully stayed by my side as I wrote this book, and to Dickens, Lulu, and Pepper, whose unconditional love is a lesson for all of us.

Finally, this book is dedicated to all of the Robbys, male or female, in the world. Those daring souls, seeking the courage to determine their path in a life that is inherently unfair. This book is really for you.