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Patricia Guzak dedicated 30 years of her life, striving to reach the "unreachable" and teach the "unteachable" in her career in the criminal justice system. She continually worked toward motivating people to rebuild themselves using tools they didn't realize they already possessed, while simultaneously using those very lessons to improve and rebuild herself. She raised two highly spirited boys, working two, and sometimes even three jobs to provide them the opportunities to grow into the fine men they have become.
With an already large and busy extended family, she was blessed with two wonderful bonus kids when she remarried. Together, she and her loving husband have redefined family, adding even more love and laughter to the ever-growing crew. She enjoys spending her free time with her wide circle of lifelong friends, taking her giant labradoodle, Kevin, to her childhood home to visit her 93-year-old father, or at the ice hockey rink, cheering on her favorite goalie and husband.
Her real-life Tuxedo Men, her C and her J, remain her deepest source of pride and purpose.
About the Cover Illustrator
Dan Rickert is a naturally gifted artist, having taught himself to play several musical instruments to accompany his strong vocals. Dan has additionally excelled at drawing, cooking, and creating mixed media art.
Dan is a software engineer/developer, so when asked to create a cover for Tuxedo Man which would allow every kid the ability to imagine themself as the hero, he taught himself graphic design and applied it to the sketches he drew. He brought the author's vision to life, and gave Tuxedo Man the perfect image.
This is Dan's first published book illustration.
About the "Doodle" Illustrator
Tracy Guzak Lawrence had the pleasure of looking up to her MUCH older cousin her entire life, turning to her for advice, friendship, and unconditional love as well as the answers to some of life's bigger questions. The two share a deep connection and history, so when Patti turned to her for illustrations for this book, she was hesitant; fearing that her cousin's heart might compromise her vision to spare her feelings. But the two also share a thick skin, and are truly soul-sisters; so the outcome was the perfect intermingling of love, respect, and understanding into every word and drawing, along with two proud cousins who will forever be each others' loudest cheerleader!
Tracy has always been a gifted artist; and additionally provided years of critical analysis and creative editing to this project, from its inception to the final product.
Tracy works with children as her local school librarian. She and her loving and supportive husband, Ron, are the proud parents of their two amazing adult sons and brand new daughter-in-law; in addition to their extended family of several fur babies.
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