I think something happened when I hit forward let's try again. Janean > The "Census Taker" > > It was the first day of census, and all through the land; > The pollster was ready ... a black book in hand. > > He mounted his horse for a long dusty ride; > His book and some quills were tucked close by his side. > A long winding ride down a road barely there; > Toward the smell of fresh bread wafting up through the air. > > The woman was tired, with lines on her face; > And wisps of brown hair she tucked back into place. > She gave him some water ... as they sat at the table; > And she answered his questions ... the best she was able. > > He asked of her children ... Yes, she had quite a few; > The oldest was twenty, the youngest not quite two. > She held up a toddler with cheeks round and red; > his sister, she whispered, was napping in bed. > > She noted each person who lived there with pride; > And she felt the faint stirrings of the wee one inside. > He noted the sex, the colour, the age .. > The marks from the quill soon filled up the page. > > At the number of children, she nodded her head; > And saw her lips quiver for the three that were dead. > The places of birth she "never forgot"; > Was it Kansas? or Utah? Or Oregon ... or not? > They came from Scotland, of that she was clear; > But she wasn't quite sure just how long they'd been here. > > They spoke of employment, of schooling and such; > They could read some and write some ... though really not much. > > When the questions were answered, his job there was done; > So he mounted his horse and he rode toward the sun. > We can imagine his voice loud and clear; > "May God Bless you all for another ten years." > > Now picture a time warp ... it's now you and me; > As we search for the people on our family tree. > We squint at the census and scroll down so slow; > As we search for that entry from long, long ago. > > Could they only imagine on that long ago day; > That the entries they made would effect us this way? > If they knew, would they wonder at the yearning we feel; > And the searching that makes them so increasingly real. > We can hear if we listen the words they impart; > Through their blood in our veins and their voices in our heart. > > Author Unknown > > > Happy Holidays to ALL! > ----- Original Message ----- From: Janean Ray To: Wilson ; White ; Loudoun ; Fauquire ; Adams ; Jefferson ; Chester ; Chinn ; Prince William ; King and Queen ; Westmoreland ; Morrow ; Middlesex ; Beveridge ; Berry Sent: Monday, December 22, 2003 11:02 AM Subject: A Census Story This was forwarded from another list I'm on and maybe it's the Holiday emotions but it really struck a cord in my heart. I hope you all enjoy this. Janean Just remember........ 100 years from now.... it will be us they are talking about!