With Thankfulness

In putting down these lines, a challenging and protracted project reaches its final stage. Writing this thesis proved a great effort and has involved a tremendous work load over the years. Like every other researcher, I experienced the demands of painstaking research. But as much as this presented a challenge, it was a personal gain. After all, without this study too many intriguing thoughts would have passed me by unnoticed, things that needed to be considered. There truly is merit in digging deeper.

I am very grateful to all who encouraged me in this endeavor. Due to my professional life, this thesis was a long time coming. I would like to cordially thank my dear friend Dr. Laurenz Görres for his companionship and support. Thank you for your technical assistance and for all the salads, soups, and smoothies that kept my brain running! And I am also very grateful to Inge, Illa, and my friends from church. Many thanks to you all. Your support and prayers kept me going!