In the past few years since I’ve been emailing and blogging and researching, I’ve developed an appreciation for the generosity of strangers. People whine and complain about how rude and remote we’ve all become. And I’ve certainly done my share of whining about that. However, I’ve found that most people are just doing the best they can. We’re all stressed and overextended. We’re all trying to take care of our families and our responsibilities. That’s why I’m so touched when people, especially people who don’t know me, go out of their way to help me or thank me or compliment me.
Many strangers have helped me with research. They’ve offered information, website links, photos, and even phone numbers that have helped me track down obscure bits of information…that have led me to other bits…pieces of the puzzle falling into place. I suppose that’s one of the reasons I blog about Caddo history and families. I imagine someone out there needing one name or one date to help them finish their puzzle. It’s the least I can do to try to thank all the people who have helped me.
Other strangers have thanked me for my work and my Caddo blog this past year. It helps me continue during especially busy or stressful weeks when I might be tempted to give it all up and just watch television. I get discouraged sometimes, or I think that no one cares, and then one little comment or email or offer of information will send me off again, in search of some little interesting treasure from the past. When I find it I’m like a kid with a new toy!
I’ve had some wonderful compliments this year about both blogs. Oh, I don’t mean the “you’re so great”, pat-on-the-back kind of compliments. Don’t get me wrong, we all need those once in a while. However, the compliments that mean the most to me are the almost unintentional ones. For example, I had a problem with something, emailed about it, and left my automatic “blog link signature” on the end of the email. Well, the person handling my problem was not only helpful in solving my problem, but emailed me about an event in her life that related to my blog. That’s a compliment! Just taking the time to read my blog is a compliment, and I thank all of you who allow me to use some of your precious time. We all talk about needing more money, when in reality time is the most precious commodity of all. I think you realize that as you get older and you really appreciate anyone who spends time with you.
I want to send out a special thank you to all of the generous people who have helped me with my research on Abner McLellan. You can read about him on my Caddo blog. I think you’ll find it very interesting.
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