Dear Email Friends, I received this on my Schooley-L list and liked it so much, I asked Keith if I could forward it to you. He has given us his permission.... so feel free to send it on. Thank you, Keith. You've put into words just what I am feeling this Christmas Eve. Happy Holidays, Renée in St. Louis KeefusSue@aol.com wrote: Friends, family, fellow travelers...... With the hopes and wishes of the holiday season upon us I pause and reflect on the joys that our searches have brought upon us all. While some have had their heartstrings pulled with the closing of a chapter to our family trees, and others have had the joy of announcing a new chapter starting. We all find heartfelt joy in the myriad of ways that we support each other in our endeavors to fill in the blanks. With each page we turn we not only are reporting our info but remember to also glean anything else off the pages of history that will be a help. At times reading the lists I never see something about my branch then, in the words of Emeril "Bam!" a date, a place, a book appears. Thanks to all of you who enjoy the hunt and share with the rest of us. And know that as I continue to search I will do the same. May this time of spiritual renewal bring you the wishes you so richly deserve, May you find that missing picture with names and dates, may you find that long sought after document. May the politicians realize we are just trying to find our roots and not trying to steal identities. May that little bit of extra info be the piece that mends fences and that someone is there to enjoy and read your tome and go WOW we really were a cool family. So with what ever religion you follow or don't, may you find inner peace and joy in this time of reflection on the coming of the new year. Respectfully Keith W Brown