They say that tightrope walkers are most susceptible to accidents when they are almost finished and nearly "home." They've been on stage and risked their lives; they've done well. Now, it's time to take their bow and call it a day. But as they approach the end, they have to watch their last steps. One slip and life comes crashing down.

Think of that as a metaphor for life. Even after doing well for many years, it's still possible to undo all the good we have done by becoming careless at the end.

That's the burden of our little book. Consider it a reminder to stay faithful.

A note of explanation: In the chapters which follow both Bertha and Joe had input, but the voice you will be "hearing" is mostly Joe. Sometimes, when it's necessary we identify who is speaking, but usually we don't because it doesn't matter.