Engraved In Stone

ENGRAVED IN STONE features the wit and wisdom of more than 150 epitaphs from film stars, outlaws, novelists, politicians, artists, gunfighters, explorers, musicians, plus a lot of other people you'll never meet; but maybe wish you had! This book is an ideal read for anyone who loves life and laughter! Part of the proceeds from the sale of this book will go to support hospice care.

ENGRAVED IN STONE features the wit and wisdom of more than 150 epitaphs from film stars, outlaws, novelists, politicians, artists, gunfighters, explorers, musicians, plus a lot of other people you'll never meet; but maybe wish you had! "I wrote this book for four principal reasons. First and foremost, as a fundraiser for hospice care; secondly, to raise awareness of the wonderful work done by so many selfless volunteers giving care and comfort to the dying, to amuse and entertain. Lastly, I hope that reading the book will inspire you to reflect on how you want to live your life and be remembered. To give care and comfort to the dying is important work. It is the kind of work that defines our essential humanity. So a book of epitaphs - many of them flippant and humorous - might seem like an odd, some might say disrespectful, way to pay tribute to those who are both the agents and beneficiaries of hospice care. Yet death is the one unavoidable reality. It is the endpoint at which our lives achieve a final perspective. And epitaphs, I believe, are simply an expression of this. They are ultimately celebratory and life-affirming. So I hope that in reading this book, you will find time to pause (with the occasional smile), and consider the wonderful legacy of those who have left us.

Take a long ago epitaph competition, add a compassionate heart forged from 20 years as a welfare caseworker, mix with a worthy cause. Hmm, that sounds like the recipe for Jo Erickson’s first book, Engraved in Stone. Jo does not consider herself an author, but saw her collection of epitaphs as a means to fundraise for hospice care. Four years later another cause came to Jo’s attention. Africycle provides bicycles to one of the poorest countries in Africa, allowing movement of vital supplies. Jo responded with another fundraising book, What If, a compilation of classic poetry. When asked about her penchant for philanthropy, Jo is modest. She says she hopes her work helps people to slow down and consider the bigger picture. Sounds good, Jo. Now, what’s next?