In the original edition of Images from the Otherland, I dedicated the book to my sole grandson, Kenneth Gregory Athans. At the time, I was in the process of resolving internal conflicts arising from my tour in Vietnam. We had recently ended the war with Iraq, but the world, to me, seemed no less deadly. With the thought that my grandson might be called upon someday to help fight in these battles, I wished him in the dedication "Sweet dreams."

Now, I’m blessed with four grandsons and a granddaughter. They are beautiful, innocent children. And they are growing up in a world that we have not been able to make safe for them.

I can’t fix that. I can only enjoy them and watch them face life. This book is dedicated to them:

Kenneth Athans

Natalie Athans

Cameron Pettrone

Michael Savoyski

Zachary Pettrone