First and foremost Avonelle J. Finley my role model, adopted grandmother, and my best friend who never gave up on me and taught me so many things in life. Avonelle had inspired me to be the best person I could be when I was growing up. She taught me the importance of taking the high road, and how much a single act of kindness can mean to someone. I can only hope that I will end up being half the strong woman that she was. I will cherish her memory forever.
A special thanks to my parents Lisa and John Ciecierski for always loving me and supporting me. Most importantly thank you for raising me to be a strong and independent woman. For teaching me how to stand on my own two feet and use those feet to chase my dreams and go after what I believe in. For giving me an exquisite example of what hard work looks like and how much it will pay off in the long run. I am so thankful for everything they have done for me and continue to do.
My last special thanks is to Ms. Heather Hall the creator of JoLee Accessories. Without her I never would have taken the leap to actually go through with my dream of Avonelle Swan. I've always loved the quote, "Die with memories not dreams," and because of Heather's kindness and guidance Avonelle Swan is no longer just a dream it is as real as you and me. I will be forever grateful for that.
There are many more people that I am grateful to have in my life that have made such a big difference to me. A few more include Jessica MacQuarrie, Maria Burkley, Beverly Irish, Jeffery Ciecierski, Dr. William Bintz, Nicole MacQuarrie and Isabelle Madara. You have all made a tremendous impact on my life and have helped me to grow and get where I am today.