Impossible Odds

decision that was needed, and for that reason Jess is alive today.
    To Navy SEAL Team Six: I understand you did your jobs that dark night on January 25, 2012, but for me you did much more, risking yourselves to give life back to my family. I also want to extend a special acknowledgment to your families in the United States, for supporting and allowing you to do this vital work.
    To the FBI (and “other agencies” involved): For the impressive work conducted during Jess’s captivity, rescue, and postrelease, Iwill never understand the full extent of your work, but the dedication and devotion shown by the people I have had the pleasure of meeting speaks for itself.
    To Matt Espenshade: For your professional and personal involvement in our struggle. You reached beyond what anyone could have asked for. Simply put, without you, Jess and I would most likely not have had the opportunity to tell our story.
    To Ann Soucy, Dan Hardy, and the Crisis Management Team: For all the hard work you did during this ordeal and for listening when needed and reacting when needed even more.
    To Leila Gupta, our Crisis Counselor: For being there at the right time for me, Jess, and her family; your professional advice and ability to listen were crucial for all of us.
    To Poul: For having been there for Jess during the ninety-three days of captivity. I know how much you helped each other and found strength in each other’s company.
    To Amy and Stephen: For being the resourceful persons you are; you never stopped believing in your sister, and when times were tough you kept on reminding me how strong Jess is. You both had to endure so much during this time and yet you remained positive.
    To Anthony and Sharlene: For taking such an interest in our lives and the story we have to tell. How nice it has been to work with both of you. Without you, none of this would have been possible.
    To my parents, Johan and Lena: For having been the best parents I could wish for. Without your support and belief in me I would not have come to Africa and Somalia in the first place. Even though you were not always happy about it, you accepted it. You are both role models in your own unique ways and I hope to follow your example, providing your grandson with the unconditional love you have always shown to me.
    To my sister, Linnea: For always loving and being there for me,in hard times and in good times, and for now being such a wonderful auntie to our son, August. I am so proud to have you as my sister.
    To all you known and unknown friends around the world, believers of different faiths and nonbelievers alike, who gave strength to us during this ordeal with your thoughts and prayers, my deep and enduring thanks.
    From Jessica:
    To Erik: I never knew I could love someone so much until I found myself in the middle of that desert, wondering if I would ever see you again. I was always sure you were back at home beating down every door, shouting at anyone who would listen, and exhausting every option to ensure my freedom. Thank you for all you did then and for all you continue to do for me now. You are a gift of a husband, my best friend, confidant, and the love of my life.
    To Daddy: Every morning I would call upon your strength and your faith, believing that your prayers for me were reaching high into the heavens. Thank you for your unwavering love, support, and wisdom throughout this whole ordeal. I couldn’t have gotten through this without you.
    To Mama: I missed you then and I miss you now. Thank you for holding me when I was so afraid, stroking my hair and keeping me safe, whispering reassurances to me that if I didn’t make it, you were waiting for me on the other side. I’ll see you when I get there . . .
    To Amy and Stephen: What incredibly beautiful, strong, courageous siblings I have. You both are gifts that I treasure beyond measure. I continued to hope and believe, during those dark moments, that I would live to see you both have families and that we would all grow old together. What a privilege it is to know youboth, and to witness all that you are accomplishing in your lives. Thank you for not giving up on me, and most of all, for understanding me.
    To Matt, the FBI Team, and other government agencies: Thank you for your tireless efforts to find and rescue me. Because of your commitment to your jobs, I am alive today. Matt—not only did you put in far more than many others would, on a professional level, you also gave the extra measure of