Some years
ago this dissertation had a life of its own in proposal form. My sincere thanks
to Nicky Rafter who was more patient with me than I was with myself.
Heart-filled thanks to “The Buckles”—Len and Suzy—who believed in me even when I
wasn’t accepted into the Law, Policy, and Society program and was enrolled as a
“special student.” The status wasn’t very special, but being part of the LPS
program was, due in no small way to Len and Suzy and the faculty who generously
share their knowledge, concern, and enthusiasm for the LPS program and its
students. To all, thanks.
To my ebullient advisor, Woody Kay, who, like a knight in shining armor,
helped me to find one dissertation among the many that I was writing, thanks. It
is no exaggeration to say, I could not have done this without you. Your
enthusiasm always made me feel more confident. I am truly grateful. My sincere
gratitude also goes to Gordana Rabrenovic who was always able to ratchet up my
thinking a level or two, and to Dick Bourne who supported my work from the
beginning.
Heartfelt
thanks to my “comps group” who stayed with me for “DissGrp,” our monthly
in-progress dissertation group. I truly enjoyed the camaraderie and being a part
of a researchers-in-the-rough enterprise. I look forward to stage three, writing
for journals. From my heart, thanks to Joe “CyberMan” McNabb for “popping in”
via phone or email just to tell me that you were thinking of me. Your presence always brings joy. To
Dorothy Oppenheim and Francine Warden who faithfully listened to my advice and
had the wisdom to ignore most of it. To Maggie McAllister, Joanne Young, and
others who were a part of the “comps” and/or DissGrp, thanks for listening and
for sharing your projects with me.
My deep
thanks go to my family and friends, especially the “Women’s Spirituality Group”
at BSC Catholic Center. You lifted my spirits, encouraged me, and gently prodded
me to “get on with it.” To Barbara Henault, sincere thanks for bringing this
project to its conclusion. And finally to all my family, my deepest thanks for
your love and patience. To my niece Kerry Krukonis who brought order out of a
disorderly Works Cited, and to Jane, my Attila-the-Hun sister-editor who
mercilessly, but skillfully and lovingly found a pathway through chapter one,
thanks. For our laughter, I am ever grateful. To Susan Kiernan, who was with me
every step of the way, my thanks for your heavenly blessings. I miss you
terribly. My love and thanks to my Dad, Preston, whose love and concern for me
came through every night when you’d gently remind me to go to bed.
And sincere
thanks to all the “fathers”—priests and bishops—who said “yes.” It was an honor
to listen to your stories.