The first attempts to write this book were made nearly 20 years ago. Thank God they didn’t make it to print; as there were still so many thoughts to be thought, conversations to be made and people to be loved.

Now, as the days are closing in and the manuscript is about to be delivered to the printing house, my thoughts wander to all those with whom I have struggled, spoken and lived throughout the years. Without you this wouldn’t have be possible.

Thanks have to be expressed to all those who offered time, space and attention to the themes of this book.

Last, but not least to those few dedicated friends, who discussed, read, edited, thought, argued, read and edited over and over again.

Thinking of you, my heart widens and I can say nothing but a big thank you!