Hello John, Thanks for your thoughts, I appreciate the email. I had no idea there were any type accounts set up for patients, and to be honest, I hadn't really been thinking there would be any money as this lady pretty much spent her whole working life in the hospital. I would expect that left over money should helped defray costs of care. I've been more interested in meeting her and in memories and photographs! I am so keen to get a photo of her parents or grandparents :) It's a pity I hadn't figured this out last year when I could have visited her on our visit to Scotland. Sadly, it does not seem that she is lucid enough for a visit at this point. I believe my Mom is concerned that the hospital might send me a whopping bill for her care - something that they probably would do here in the States. I also do not know what is involved in being next of kin. Of course this is supposing that there is no one else listed. What would be great is to find a DICK relative listed as next of kin and have another present day relative found! This has brought home to me that this is not just research, this is real life. (that came out sounding silly, but I think you catch my drift). Best wishes, Allison

I think this letter illustrates the need to do your research NOW, not next year. The sources you may be able to contact this year , may no longer be available or reliable at a later date. It is so sad when family stories are not written down while the tellers are still alive. Memories are faulty and time distorts events, places and faces in our memories, as those of us who are trying to put together Family Histories can testify. It is time consuming and frustrating to sift through the plethora of oral legends to authenticate or discount each story. Some of the ones finally discarded are so much more entertaining than the true story too. What a pity! Write your family history for your descendents before it is too late. Celia.