I have friend named Carol. She's had a passion for genealogy for decades. Now that she's a bit older and her health is failing, some of her family has discouraged her from writing her family history. 

Yet every time I see her she says, "You've really inspired me to write my family history. I need to get it done before I run out of time." Then she tells me how inspired she is to make it happen despite the negative feedback from various family members. 

Sometimes we shed tears because her health often keeps her from completing basic tasks she used to do with ease. I always ask her if I can help. She always declines. In fact, she's very adamant about me not helping. And all the hugs I've given her in the past year have not persuaded her to let me help. 

So I pray for her often. 

On Saturday, I took my kids to a Halloween party. We filled our buckets with candy during the trunk or treat. We enjoyed the costume contest and the dreary gray October sky that turned to a sliver of a crescent moon breaking through the clouds. 

On the way home we stopped at the mailbox. We were expecting mail for the kids. Instead we found a large, brown envelope addressed to me. I took it into the house and tore it open. There was no note, nothing to explain how or why I was receiving an unexpected package. 

I reached into the envelope and pulled out a plain, plastic, spiral notebook. It was a copy of Carol's genealogy and family history. The account includes pedigree charts, maps, and written accounts of various family members. My son asked me, "What did you get, Dad?"

I didn't know how to respond, so I said, "The dreams of a friend. I know exactly what it is."

I didn't know what to say and the words came out clunky and weird. I felt terribly awkward trying to explain to him why someone he didn't know sent me their family stories. Maybe one day I'll do a better job sharing with him the significance of the package. 

But I believe genealogists know. People who've been on the hunt for family know. I only pray the family members who discouraged Carol from completing her work will find value in the small little book one day. 

As an archivist and fan of genealogy, I've often met other folks like Carol. People who yearn to share some small reminiscences of their family with the next generation. 

As a friend, I am honored and touched that Carol would take a moment and share her accomplishments with me. It literally is a feat she dreamed of for a long time, and I'm grateful to know that day is here. 

As President of the Mississippi Genealogy Society, I can say this--if you have desires to compile and write a family history, please do it. One step at a time. We will do our best her to support, help, educate, or whatever else we can do to make your journey a special one. 

In the meantime, keep searching, working, and dreaming.