I also would like to say Merry Christmas, Happy Holydays to all. I have so appreciated all the hard work, dedication and unending talent that has been donated to our research and each other. The kind thoughts, prayers and encouragement has been a welcome comfort for me this year. Christmas day will be a hard thing to get through this year, but with continued support, hugs and prayers we shall make it through and will be the better for it. I do not think of this time as my mother's last Christmas, but instead see it as chance to celebrate another special day with her and my family together. May God Bless each of you in His own way, and may He comfort us all in our time of need and celebrate with us in our lives endeavors. Susan Burgess-Hoffman -----Original Message----- From: Martha Marble [mailto:mmarble@erols.com] Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2001 8:11 AM To: NCLENOIR-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [NCLENOIR] Happy Holidays May each of you and your families have a joyful Christmas. From the lack of decorations in my neighborhood and talking to a number of families, it appears that many people are making an effort to go "home" to be with extended family this year. Instead of spending a lot of money on presents people seem to be returning to the true meaning of Christmas - family and the many traditions we grew up with and most important, the celebration of the Birth of Christ or the celebration of Hanukkah. Some of you have very ill family members or have lost family members recently and we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers because this will be a difficult time for you. As we reflect on the events of the fall, we all hope the New Year will not bring a repeat and we pray for peace in the world. We hope our service people who are abroad protecting us will be safe and soon return home. Martha