To find my family, to become a part of a larger than life family, to meet for the first time my ½ Sister, and to have become a friend to Dodie are all things for which I am thankful as I extend to all those who are family and visitors to the Families of Steel(e), the warmest wishes for a peace filled Holiday with family and friends. We can only see ourselves through the eyes of others. What better way to get a picture of who we are and what we represent within our own families than through the eyes of those who love us? It was a journey for me, which both revealed and completed my search for my Father's families.

On my trip through history I have met a new second cousin, Robert, a new ½ niece, Michelle...I have gone across the country to touch bases with my roots...The first girl born to James Wilbur Steele, Loretta...my sister. Even though we are 11 years a part in age, there is no doubt that we have the same Father. All of this would not have come to pass had it not been for the support and love that I have had from Dodie. 

She has handled our Christmas Homecoming like a tender mother...giving advice where necessary...putting family members in touch with others where she could...posting pictures of us for all to see. When I visit Families of Steel I feel at home...I love reading about the newer family members and matching the faces to the stories. Dodie's writing has extended itself beyond mere genealogy into another realm where one can feel at times the 'Home fires' burning. She has nothing to gain through her story telling and genealogy except the satisfaction that what she is doing, sharing the gifts God bestowed upon her, in some ways is a help to all travelers who stop at her 'Inn'.