This book contains my memories of the life that I have lived and the people and events involved; my version of the truth; reality as I have perceived it. It has given me a sense of release, similar I guess to that experienced by those who keep a diary, to be able to write on a very personal level. More importantly, it's been an outlet for expressing love, love for my mum which, otherwise, would have nowhere else to go. Furthermore, because my life has been scattered between two vastly different parts of the world, drawing it all together in the pages of this book has provided me with a sense of continuity, a cohesion of events. Lastly, it's brought together in one volume a good number of my favourite poems, songs, scriptures and phrases (which previously were strewn all over the house in books and scribbled on bits of paper), favourite because they have instilled in me a hope that is "unwaveringly steadfast" - a hope that we are beseeched to share with those who are downcast and broken.

O God, wherever I go today, help me to leave heartprints!

Heartprints of compassion, understanding, and love.

Heartprints of kindness and genuine concern.

May my heart touch a lonely neighbour, or runaway daughter,

or anxious mother, or even an aged grandfather.

Send me out today to leave heartprints.

And if someone should say, 'I felt your touch',

May that one sense Your love touching through me.

-Prayer by unknown author