Okay you guys! Since you are really into this teary eye session let me add my two cents! To tell the truth you could not put a price tag on this story. My parents were divorced when I was a very small child. They were from West Virginia. My stepfather was also from West Virginia. I live there when I was younger. I also lived in Shallmar Maryland which is up the moutain from Kitzmiller Maryland. Anyone have stories about that place? We spent most of my childhood years living in DC, PA, and MD. I met my biological dad when I was 18 y/o for the first time in my life. Never saw him again and thought that I never would. He has a zillion relatives in WVA as does my mom and stepdad have. My mothers sister who is Mary Hartman from Elk Garden a very special person to me. She is getting along in her years, has diabetes, and really isn't doing too well. I figured that when she died that would probably be my last trip out there. I live in Minnesota which is a very long drive. I am 47 years old now and have never met any of my biological fathers family. Thought that I never would. My older sister has been in contact with my father's sister (colleen) and she encourged me to call. I tried one time but nobody was home. A month later I finally called and got my uncle. My aunt was working at the time and he told me to please not give up on this idea of contacting her. We talked later that day and boy did we every hit it off. Mind you I live in Minnesota--four days later I was in Keyser WVA--my husband just had to do this! My life was a rollercoaster ride for the next three days. I met two uncles and two aunts that I've never seen in 47 years! Then out of the blue my father was coming from Baltimore to visit. Talk about a teary eyed mess. My aunt Colleen and I felt like we woke up after everyone else went to sleep. We laughed and cried and talked. We could not get enough of each others company. One month ago we met. We email each other every day and talk about the love we have for each other. It's just beautiful. I saw picture, heard stories, saw grave sites, and basically learned to love my family! There is a BIG GOD in heaven who still works miracles today. He is restoring my family to me. As far as the scenery in WVA...it's just beautiful. One day I'll be buying some land in the moutains. My kids will one day appreciate to walk where my little feet have walked even if I did get a few spanking every now and then for going tood close to the Potamac River. By the way, my dad is a very sick person and doesn't expect to be around at Christmas. Have a great day. Janie Kuhn Shepherd [email protected]