acknowledgments To articulate in writing a practice that is utterly metaphysical is an exercise of faith. Thankfully, I have not walked this faith journey alone. To the seven women who took part in this project-Ruth, Yenenga, Roberta, Lucille, Beatrice, Lucinda, and Faye-your sacred memories, stories, and selves are the heart of this work. I cannot thank you enough for allowing me into your homes and hearts, and I hope that you fi nd my humble attempts to capture the depth and complexity of

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... stories to be an accurate glimpse into your fascinating lives. A substantial part of this project unfolded during my years of graduate study at Emory University. My graduate mentors Don Seeman, Gary Laderman, and Dianne Diakité supported me and continue to encourage me with their wisdom, advice, and willingness to engage. Don, thank you for helping me construct my own methodological language. Gary, you always reminded me not to get too hung up on death-I am so glad that you were "the death guy" for a time. Dianne, you have been an incomparable advocate. Thank you for all of your support, and especially the intangibles that coincide with mentoring graduate students. Many others who were at Emory during my tenure there-Luther Smith, Theresa Fry-Brown, Alton B. Pollard III, Sonja Jackson, and the incomparable Pescha Pensomade being a graduate student a humanizing experience for me. My comrades Kent Brintnall, BaSean Jackson, Wylin Dassie Wilson, Anjulet "Nina" Tucker, Claudette Anderson, and my best sister friend Stephanie Sears helped me remain sane with lots of laughter, great food and drink, sustaining conversation, and, of course, karaoke.