For (Dr.) Joachim (Goth), who wanted and was allowed to die standing.
I wish I could have shown you with this novel that I am finally at peace with myself.
I would also have gladly shown this to you during your lifetimes, dear Jean (Rennette), dear Werner (Kieser), dear Ulrich (Borucki).
Thank you for always seeing in me what I have finally made of myself.
I am grateful that Maria and my daughters will experience this during my lifetime and will believe me. You are my lilies, because of you I was already content with my life so far. Now I am also content with myself. Both are necessary in order to be happy.
