Lastly, there is my coauthor. He’s five years my junior but in many ways, he is the wiser and more clear-eyed Howard brother. And certainly the funnier one. Brudda Clintee, I’ve loved the experience of going on this very personal journey with you. Despite our differences, the three thousand miles that separate our homes, and the long lapses between in-person get-togethers, we have always remained close. This project has been a profound and welcome reminder of how much we have in common and why the roots of our sibling relationship run so deep.
I love you, Clint. Thanks for all the love you have always shown me and our family. You are a gift.
CLINT
I want to acknowledge Mr. Steve Campbell, my junior high school journalism teacher. He introduced me to the Fourth Estate way back in the early 1970s, sparking my interest in writing and teaching me the magic of constructing a tight lede. I remain his student to this day. He read chapters from this book in its developmental phase and offered helpful feedback. More importantly, he is the best educator I have ever encountered. Thanks, Mr. Campbell, I am forever in your debt.
I must also express my gratitude to my wife, Kat. When Ron and I embarked upon this project, I was an unmarried man, struggling to stay positive. Kat, then my girlfriend, stayed in the pocket with me as I went through the emotional ups and downs of setting down my story on paper, warts and all. And then we got married! As a joyful bonus, I’ve been privileged to become “Dad” to Kat’s brilliant daughter, Erlinda Rafa’ella. Like the Rance and Jean Howards before us, we are a happy Burbank family. Kat and Rafa, I love you both so much.
And now for my coauthor. I’ve been so blessed to be his little brother. He’s warm and compassionate. He’s sharp and resilient. His ability to lead is unparalleled, going back to the days of our Howards Hurricanes basketball team. On top of all that, he’s a wonderful, creative writer. I have been so blessed to be this man’s sibling. I love you, Ron.