I read your stories with a smile on my face and memories in my heart. My mother was THE genealogist of the family for many years. I did not share her passion. "I cant remember the names of the living, why should I concern myself with the names of the departed?" OR " I have children to raise, dont have time." would be my common answer. I would spend time with her in libraries, she immersed herself in genealogy books, I would take my cross stitch, time well spent together and we both went home happy! Brother, sister in law and I went with mom to Ireland for two weeks of genealogy, she took her notes of what she wanted looked up and brother and I did what she wanted. We all enjoyed that trip and that special time with mom. The next year mom passed away-what do you do with all those file cabinets full of family members? I had become "somewhat" interested during our trip to Ireland. After the funeral I took her "Maley family" file home with me, grabbed a cup of coffee and bega! n reading- I WAS HOOKED!!!! I downloaded her Family Tree Maker File and now I spend HOURS in front of my computer speaking to all of you spread through out the world all in search for the same thing-our ancestors. It has been just 8 months since mom passed away, now she is in Heaven guiding me into this crazy world of genealogy and giving me hints on where to search for them, after all she is now in direct contact with the ones who lived that history-her ancestors. I find little nibbles of information from time to time with her guidance, BUT I find it is not just MY ancestors that fascinate me, it is the whole Irish history that I love reading about and the wonderful people and landscape of Ireland that draws me. DONT give up on your families, they too shall come around and all will not be lost. Yes, they will curse you at times but they will also find themselves sitting on the computer chatting with other genealogists and smiling because of what you have brought them into.! Your legacy will continue I am sure of it.