Dedication

I dedicate my work with the dying, the dead, and their beloveds, to my grandfather, Ivan Myrtle Charlton who died holding me in his arms when I was two years old. I remember him and his death vividly; To my maternal grandmother, Mary Jane Charlton, one of the great loves of my life; To my father, William Parker, whom I met only once, after spending my childhood yearning for him; To my sweet mama, Yvonne Charlton Olson, who died in my home at the age of 89, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; And lastly, to my firstborn, Brandyn Charlton Potts, who died unexpectedly, two days after his 50th birthday, at my home. We held him, cried over him, bathed him, and dressed him in his finest clothes, pouring over him all the love we could summon, to accompany him on his journey into the unknown. I give great thanks for the love they each gave me, and the lessons I learned. I honor them, and pray for their guidance, that I may be lead, where I am meant to go.



Me and my gramma.