With my head thrown back laughing with abandon, streams of warm tears of mother/daughter love running down my cheeks, I dedicate this work that I have been given to do to my daughters and my husband. To my daughters: Three of the most mature yet ever-laughing woman-spirits this side of flesh and blood, whom I have had the honor of being their passageway into this world; our daughters, Laura, Leah and Lisa. It is their unspoken but nevertheless strong and deep affirmations in spite of their own needs and desires that envelope me with undeserved blessings, that allow me to go on. Fruit of my womb, sisters of my heart, mothers of my spirit........... I give you my deepest gratitude.

To my dearest husband, my closest friend and lover, to your utmost honesty, boundless knowledge, lewd jokes and especially to your dreads, I also dedicate this work, our work, to you and to all your ancestors who made you all that you are today and yet to become.

To all and every family member of the Bluntschli (Lutz) Clemens / Van Dusen / Roger genealogical line, for redemptions's sake,

Carla / Tant Ka