Charlene Roycht is very articulate, compassionate and deeply spiritual. While reading her book, I laughed, I cried, I gave thanks for so much. Charlene faces all of the challenges each of us face as we prepare for the death of a parent. She shows us how prayer, journalling, tears, humour and how honestly naming our feelings can help us face the anger, fear and fatigue arising from the imminent death of a parent. She highlights the crucial importance for each of us to find spiritual resources needed for life's journey. I particularly loved the way her sexuality and spirituality inter-relate and both infuse her life. Throughout her book, I kept reading and I kept hearing the words 'God, I love her so much'. I kept remembering all whom I love so much, and I want to see my Mom and tell her I love her."

Reverend Brent Hawkes, Metropolitan Community Church

The journey you traveled with your mother and family and friends as your mother moved toward that good night is beautifully chronicled. As all journeys of faith proceed, one can put no real confidence in a preconceived roadmap. The bends and turns of the road are dictated by one's desire, unwilling as it often is, to be present to the moment -- to the immense pain of traveling with a loved one who is diminishing physically.

Your traveling with your mother and your reliance on God to be the navigator of the ship should definitely be shared with others who will inevitably travel similarly. Thanks for this intimate glimpse of the communion between you and your mother.

Brother Philip R. Smith, CSC, Ed.D

It is very powerful; not always an easy read for me, having gone through the same situation, albeit very differently, not long before you. Your honesty, your passion and your devotion shine from the pages; I loved your image of yourself as the "spirit wanderer ringing the bell of life".

Milena, Beaches Book Club

Each of us has a mother, so each of us has such a journey to make, like it or not. Thanks to this compelling diary, I feel better prepared for the journey ahead. This book is an intimate and heartfelt account of love and waging war with some of life's cruelties ... so that life's beauty can shine through. And it does shine through. Wonderfully so.

Donald Martin, Screenwriter, Los Angeles

The journey taken by Charlene, her mother and her family during the final months, weeks and days of her mother's declining health and ultimate death truly touched my heart. And, as i begin to face the same issues with my own mother, I am grateful for the insight Charlene's "journal" has provided.

Sandra F., Transport, I.A.T.S.E. 873

This is a work which uses the intimacy of a personal diary to address a universal experience-the feelings engendered by the loss of a loved one. But it is much more than a mere chronicle of events in the odyssey which covers a one-year vigil, as the author keeps watch over her mother's decline into the inevitable. Charlene Roycht skillfully uses the watch to explore fundamental issues of living and relationships with self, fellow human beings and God, with inimitable candor and honesty. Her punchy style spices the story, which will find moving echoes of similar experiences by all readers at some point in their lives. More significantly, the author shares caveats, admonitions, entreaties and advice to help us lead richer lives in a more sane and peaceful world. As we read, we become more than spectators in the real life drama which unfolds; truth becomes more engaging than imaginative fiction, till finally we are drawn into the story as participant-observers, albeit vicariously. As with the "Diary of Ann Frank", the reader cannot simply walk away. And as with that classic, the genre is a potent vehicle for the purpose. All who read will be touched; many may change their perspectives on living for good.

Charlene writes her diary so that the reader is right there beside her, every step of the way. She brings you into her life and makes you a friend. If you have a dear friend who is dying, then Charlene's words will help walk you through the process. Together you can laugh... and cry... To know Charlene is to love her, and like an eagle who spreads her wings, Charlene lives life to the fullest.

Marilyn Brooks, Artist and Designer

I am Mary Ellis. I had the pleasure of taking care of Catherine and to know Catherine's family. Reading this book, after having lived a lot of it with Catherine and the family, I then lived a lot of it all over again in my own way. I laughed and cried…had to stop reading it from time to time, because it got to me. When Catherine was dying I gave her the bird to put on and one for myself, and told her that after she died she would come back as a bird and shit on my shoulder but instead it got all over my car. I was there with my parents. Please don't give up the time to be with a loved one at this time of their life.

Mary Ellis, Caretaker

Charlene Roycht is an earthy, spiritual lesbian who started a journal to help her to deal with her feelings regarding her dying mother. The journal evolved into a dialogue with a projected audience who might also be caring for their dying parents. Roycht deals with honesty and integrity with issues such as "unresolved baggage"; balancing one's personal life with being available to a dying parent; the economics of a lingering illness; the nitty-gritty of aging, illness, deterioration and death; the inevitable family issues and the blissful moments when it all comes together - when being there really counts. This book will be very helpful for those dealing with aging parents and family members.

Mary L.S. Vachon, RN, PhD

"I just finished reading your book last night. Above all else I appreciated your total honesty-your dark side-your anger and confusion. Your book had me laughing & crying & feeling everything else along the way. My Aunt Ruth had a serious stroke recently so I'm on a similar journey & have felt very connected to your story. And like you I'm grateful for the opportunity to be there, hold hands ... Thanks for your courage to not come off like a saint even if you are. Much Love and all good things."

S. R., Toronto

"I almost left the library w/out taking your book. As we were leaving, something told me to go back and get that book. I am so glad I did. Our stories are so similar. I'm coming to the part of your book dealing with death and letting go. I know I will face this ... one of these days. I'll say thank you in advance, for insight and inspiration in dealing with the rest of the time I have with Dad and whatever follows. It's great to know someone else has been through basically the same things that I am going through. I do the same as you, pray every day for God to show me what he wants me to do and to do all He can, I can to keep Dad safe and comfortable. Thank you!"

J. J. Sylvania, Ohio

"I started reading it at 10 pm, finished for the day at 3 am, woke to finish it at 10 am. I loved it. I totally related having lost both my parents in the last few years. I was particulaly impressed by your consistency of tone. Not easy to do. I had no trouble with your whole God thing even though I am a Pantheist. The book was extremely intimate."

C.T. Maynooth, Ontario

Charlene takes you deeper each day. Her philosphical mind and spirituality become poetry. This book is so emotional and touching… it's a very private and special journey that's illuminating!"

Jo Raciti Forsberg Improv Icon, Chicago, Illinois

Roycht takes you with her, emotionally, spiritually, psychologically on the most demanding journey we all face at some time in our life time, as we support and guide and say good-bye to those we love. Charlene is there as a friend, an advisor and a caring human being for those who are grappling with a loved one who is dying…she is honest, loving, wondrously real, determined to see her Mother out...and in the process gains wisdom and strength.

Anne Wheeler, filmmaker

My God, what a trip! Charlene Roycht, with gut-wrenching honesty, documents the incredible journey through the proverbial Valley of Death with her mother. "Living takes so much time....are we waiting for death or living for death?" Char wants more life. A Cancer survivor herself, Char is openly candid in the inclusive and painful account of her mother's death. She both curses and praises the "The Queen of Resurrections", as her mother oscillates between near-death experiences and sudden recoveries, irrespective of Char's spiritual agenda. She realized that there is no agenda for the journey except patience, attendance and love. Char explains, "I can only do what I can do - that's be loving.

Sharon Carlson, Talent Director, Out of the Box, Actor, Voice Teacher, Roosevelt University and Columbia College