Emily Liebert - Facebook Fairytales: Modern-Day Miracles to Inspire the Human Spirit

I have to admit, Ive always wanted to write an acknowledgments page, at least as much as Ive wanted to write a book. Its sort of the Academy Awards acceptance speech for authors, and for those of us with little acting talent, its the closest well likely come. So without further ado...

The very first person I need to thank is my agent, Jessica Regel. Jess, you are not only a brilliant literary mastermind, but a very patient soul and a dear friend. I cant thank you enough for having faith in me from day one, and for never allowing that faith to falter, even when mine did. Youve entertained my many questions and concerns and basically just listened to me agonize day after day after day, without a rumbling of complaint. I look forward to a long career working together. Oh, and youre gorgeous and wickedly funny too (had to throw those in). Plus, who else can I talk reality TV with endlessly?

Thank you, also, to Jennifer Weltz and Tara Hart at the Jean V. Naggar Literary Agency. And of course, to the agencys namesake herselfJean V. Naggar. I like to think of you all as my second family!

Next, a very big thank-you to my editor, Julie Matysik. We did it! Julie, you too are one of the most patient people on the planet. In fact, I dont think Ive ever witnessed you lose your cool. Your wise insights from day one helped shape this book into what it is today, and you did so with a smile on your face and a cheerful lilt to your voice at all times. If ever I had even a passing concern, you were always there at the other end of the phone line or returning my e-mails faster than I could send them. How do you do that? Its a talent, really.

Thank you to my publisher, Tony Lyons, who took a chance on a first-time author. I think its going to pay off, Tony. Didnt I promise you an enormous office with panoramic views? Fingers crossed. And I cant forget the rest of my fabulous Skyhorse team: Bill Wolfsthal, Ann Treistman, Tommy Semosh, and LeAnna Weller Smithwhos responsible for the beautiful design, inside and out. Im so grateful for your endless reservoirs of attention.

This book would not have been possible without the AMAZING Facebook crew, who devoted way more time and energy to this project than I ever could have hoped for: Brandee Barker (Facebook goddess, whom Im forever indebted to), Tim Kendall, Ben Barry, and Devon Corvasce at OutCast Communications, who was an invaluable help in finding some of these stories.

A spotlight thank-you to Mark Zuckerberg for taking time out of his very busy schedule to interview for the foreword. I think it goes without saying that this book would not have been possible without you. Facebook has united so many millions of people worldwide, and those connections are saving lives. What youve done is truly heroic. Thank you to Chris Hughes, as well, for not only cofounding Facebook, but also for taking the time to recount his spectacular success story of working with President Barack Obama.

Thank you to Jason Corliss, my wonderful lecture agent, for taking a chance on me and keeping me on point with your witty banter. Lets book thousands of lectures! Im ready!

Without the following people who have supported me through the years and through the composition of this book, I would never be where I am today: Kerry Kennedy; Mariah, Cara, and Michaela Kennedy Cuomo (the little sisters I never had); Stan Pottinger; Joni Evans; Seema Boesky; Tom Yellin; Andrew Cuomo; Cristina Greeven Cuomo; Steven Brill; my best friend, Melody Lineback Drake; my dear friends Jonathan and Jodie Boies; Shari and Jason Weaver (brilliant writer and photographer, respectively); Meghann Kruming; Zoe Schaeffer; Sara Haines; Liz Karp Bitton; Jayne Chase; Jennifer Goodkind; Vanessa Wakeman; Monica Lynn; Jennifer Heitler; Jennifer Scott; Jennifer Lisman Oliver; Amy Kallesten; Lisa Lineback; Sam Zises; Robert Redmond; and Brian Puskas.

Possibly the most important people to thank are all of the brave and beautiful subjects of these stories. Thank you for your time, for your stories, and for having faith that Id do you justice. Not only are you the glue that holds this book together, but youre also new friends, whom I will cherish for years to come.

I would not be the person I am today without the unconditional love, support, and encouragement of my parents, Tom and Kyle Einhorn, my brother Zack Einhorn, my grandmother Ailene Rickel, and my grandparents Harvey and Patricia Einhorn. I love you all more than you know. You are the ones who inspire me every day. Thank you, also, to my in-laws: Mary Ann and Peter S. Liebert and Peter B., Karren, Sara, and Alex Liebert.

Ive saved the best for last... my boys. To my husband, Lewis Liebert: Thank you doesnt really seem to cover it. You listened to me yammer on about this book for months on end, offered your trademark wisdom, and kept your mouth shut and smiled when you knew it was a losing battle. You are my best friend, protector, and absolute hero. I love you. Oh, and... thanks, sweetie!

Finally, to the light of my life, my little dumplingJaxsyn Alvin Liebert. Being your mommy is the most precious gift of all time.

FOR FURTHER Information

F or more information about this book and to share and read other inspirational stories resulting from Facebook connections, please become a fan of Facebook Fairytales at http://www.facebook.com/FacebookFairytales .

And for more information about the author, please visit her website at www.emilyliebert.com .

ONE

DONOR Destiny

I t was a scorching July day in Tallahassee, Florida, when Cathy Schroeders best friend from childhood came to visit. But the extreme heat didnt stop the two ladies from sitting on Cathys front porch, chitchatting about their impending twentyyear high school reunion.

Who do you think is going to show up? Cathy speculated.

Do you think theyll look the same? her friend indulged.

What are we going to wear!? They laughed heartily.

A few days later, back at home, Cathys friend forwarded her a link to a Facebook page set up to organize the particulars of their reunion. Cathy knew of Facebookshed even considered becoming a memberso she joined without delay. By that afternoon, shed already connected with tons of old friends, one of whom was her exboyfriend, Scott Harris. Theyd communicated intermittently since college, but Cathy was pleased to have this new forum through which to keep up with him.

Scott reported that he was living in New York with his wife and three daughters. Cathy replied that she and her husband Drew, a firefighter, were the proud parents of their beautiful four-year-old daughter, Olivia. Life was good for both of them.

The following morning, sitting at work and getting little done, Cathy coiled a section of her blonde corkscrew curls around one finger and focused her clear blue eyes on the four sterile walls surrounding her. Shed decorated her office with an array of trinkets and artwork from her husband and daughter, but even her Mardi Gras decor wasnt enough to brighten the barren backdrop of the government building in which she worked. She decided to break the monotony by logging on to Facebook, and, as she idly scanned through her friends status updates, one in particular caught her eye. It was from Scott, and it read: