In the course of my research, especially of my McBees, I've found joys and profound sorrows. The deeds done by our ancestors were not always admirable, or even understandable. It's been useful for me to remember that it is all just HISTORY, even if personal history that still affects the living. And some acts that could have been seen as shameful in the past, now seem just human. We cannot change the actions taken by our ancestors, but we can choose to be gracious under pressure. When we uncover facts which don't flatter the ancestral portrait, we can choose to thoughtfully publish them anyway, in the larger interest of TRUTH. This takes courage. However, meeting new cousins (and fellow researchers) can be one of the rewards of serving the truth. :) If you don't believe me, check out the International Society of Black Sheep Genealogists, IBSSG. http://blacksheep.rootsweb.com/ Valorie