This Could Be Us (Skyland, #2)(133)

Refrigerate any unsealed jars and use within a few days of processing. Store the sealed jars of preserves in a cool, dark place until ready for use.





ACKNOWLEDGMENTS


This Could Be Us is one of the most deeply personal books I’ve written in many ways. At the same time, there are so many things beyond and outside my lived experience that made this story so fascinating to write. I especially want to thank the Puerto Rican women who held extensive conversations with me about the heritage and traditions that I hope enrich Soledad’s story. Your insight and care as you read early iterations of this novel made it something I hope will prove richly resonant for many readers.

To the actually autistic foks and loved ones of those on the spectrum who so generously shared your experiences, thank you! There is no one way to be autistic. There is no one expression or presentation of it, but you shared the myriad, personal, unique ways you’ve lived it, and this story is richer and, I hope, more representative for your involvement. And last, but so not least, I want to thank my boys. You are the only ones. The only ones who truly know what the last twenty years have been negotiating our family’s autism journey. This book is for my son, who has taught me more about unconditional love than any single person on the planet. Who showed my heart what it was truly capable of. I had no idea it could expand this way, but you did it, kid. To my husband, who has been whatever this life required of him. Provider. Stay-at-home dad. Partner and lifetime friend. I know that you saw some of your own fierce love in the way Judah loves his boys. I’ll never forget sharing “that” scene with you before the book was done. You read it and got emotional, whispering, “It’s us.”

Yes, my love. It’s us, and this one is for you.