This book is dedicated to my good friend, Liana Petranek. Ever since I met this beautiful Poetess, this remarkable soul, she has shown me nothing but kindness.

Even in the first few days of having met on social media, she supported me and encouraged me in ways she will never comprehend much less believe what she did to change my heart. Liana instilled trust again when it was faltering more than it ever has been.

The trust issues of expecting to always be hurt because I was used to it, well, she came along and was totally the opposite. Almost like God had sent me an Angel, someone that I needed in my life at the very moment she magically appeared.

Divine Intervention? I believe in that. Now I know this all sounds corny.

But it’s the truth. She has shown me her heart and soul, kindness and respect beyond anything I had felt or known in quite some time, and again, restored my faith in Humanity, that, though rare, good people who want nothing in return for a nice word or an encouraging one, do exist.

Perhaps hard to find, but they are out there. Hold on to them.

Liana fondly calls me her “Warrior Queen,” for she has read my poetry and knows the story of me growing up horribly abused as a child even into womanhood and present day. Liana, this book is for you, the heart and soul of me that I’m giving back.

But just know that somewhere between shadows of tears and fears, there is a small smile and you are responsible for that smile that has replaced, even if temporarily, that normal frown. For you know I don’t smile often.

Well, you changed that, if even for a moment, or moments in every day, that’s enough to say I’m forever altered by our friendship in the best way. Word Skin is for you.

My soul speaks a language I KNOW you will understand. ~ Susan Joyner-Stumpf.