Public Service Announcement:  This one doesn’t need a public service announcement; these people are AWESOME!!!

 

Keith and Donna (my Parents) – What do you say about the people that have ALWAYS stood behind you (also frequently in front of and on both sides to take the shots I just couldn’t handle) supporting and being steadfast though out everything.  Without everything you have done for me and put up with from me, I know I would not have survived to reach 50.  Although, let’s be honest, I think we’re all still kind of shocked I did.  Well, I guess I will just say Thank You, I love you and I hope to see you in person again soon.

 

Jalil (from the U.S. Embassy) – Jalil is the bright shining star of the U.S. Embassy in Doha, Qatar.  As a Consular Associate he regularly came to visit me and check up to see if I was ok.  He always made me feel like I at least had one person in my corner from the Embassy and within his very limited authority did everything he could he make my time in prison survivable.  By the way, that included bringing a chair from his own home to me to help with my back, buying me clothes, and doing his best to follow up with the different divisions of the Ministry of Justice.  Thank you so much, you made a truly horrible experience just a little more bearable.

 

Abu Omar – This man is the reason I am not sitting in the Qatar Deportation Center.  When the Ministry of Interior decided I needed 2 sponsors (people who give their passports to the deportation department and agree to go to jail if I flee) within hours he had arranged people, come out to the Deportation Center himself and ensured my release.  Bless You!

 

Brian – Brian is an amazing man who has always stepped up to help, while I was in prison he sent truckloads of books to me to read helping me stay sane (as much as was possible) and even before I was released, he was in touch with my family to provide a place for me to live while I get all the problems sorted out!  Brian, I am truly grateful for everything you have done and continue to do, Thank you so much.

 

Nada – Nada started as a customer at Dromedary, became a member of our staff and then grew into a True Friend with the perfect ability to both lift me up and keep me in check with her dark sense of humor (which matches mine).  She has spent more time with me than anyone else since I got out listening, hanging out, helping me with my legal issues and to focus on the future.  Nada, thank you for being my friend, I know it’s not always fun and that I have “Special Needs,” you the absolute Best!

 

Natasha “Rocky” – One of my oldest friends, Rocky is as solid as the nickname we gave her.  She has never doubted me and always shown her support from visiting me when I first went to prison to checking in with my family as I was getting out.  Rocky I want to Thank You for always offering your honest opinions and moral support!

 

Hadeir – Nada’s sister, she is one of those amazing people whos’ smile and personality light up a room (seriously I sometimes can’t believe they are related).  She has helped me so much by pulling me into her circle recommending me to other people who can help like lawyer and a therapist and just been amazing at providing support and sympathy.  Hadeir, thank you for being there it means the world to me.

 

Peter – A true friend, never doubting my innocence and always offering his support.  On my second night out of prison he took me to the first excellent meal I had eaten in over 3 years! He has continued to check up on me throughout this ordeal.  He also gave me the laptop that I am currently working on my campaign from, Thank you so much Peter!