By the time you read this, most who attended the IMFA reunion have returned home and perhaps – just perhaps! -- begun to digest all the events and all the emotions of those incredible five days in England.

Collected impressions brought words like, "exhilarating", "wonderful", "overwhelming" and "exhausting" -- all of which, with added discussion, can be summarized by, "It's been terrific! to meet you.... I'll be back!"

All were in awe of cousin David Molyneux's gargantual organizational abilities, cap ably and constantly assisted by son Richard (who even waited up worrying about those “out late” teens when, in truth, he should have been with them!).

While we all gaped in wonderment at all the various Molyneux churches, homes, tombs, etc., perhaps the reunion aspect was the Being Together. The obvious warmth and sense of "family" that permeated throughout -- between individuals, between families, among the whole group -- was something very special. All around, every day, people were talking, people were hugging, people were jotting down addresses. It really was a “coming home”. In itself, this was a special and precious thing, what with all of us starting out as strangers, from all parts of the world, from so many varied lifestyles and professions and even religions. Still, we became One. If we were able to do this in such a short time, one has to wonder what sort of a world it would be if such a family philosophy could be spread among all mankind, if then it could not be clearly seen by all that, “all men are my brothers” -- would the world not start turning, then, in the way in which we all think it should ? It also lends some weight to the fact that not just “old men and women” turn to family history as a hobby; rather, that the study of family history has no alternative but to bind all men and all women into a family group -- little and fleeting as we are among the dripping hands of time -- we would all be bound together, as certainly we are.

My very personal reunion highlight was being offered the great honour of doing one of the readings at the ancient and beautiful St. Helens Church at Sefton, where we joined regular parishoners for Sunday Service ( with tea and cakes afterward!) What a great priviledge it was for me to read the words of the Prophets in this hallowed building, surrounded by Molyneux hatchments, memorials and tombs -- amid the obvious warmth of St. Helen's Parishoners and of its priest, Cannon O.J. Yandel and his absolutely terrific wife. (Both of whom I fell instantly in love with the night before at dinner at Croxteth Hall.)

It was a very beautiful, inspiring and love-filled five days, not soon forgotten by any who attended. If there could be found any complaint, it would come as a constructive suggestion: there was not enough time. We all felt exhausted. Next time, let’s take it slower. And while there were/are suggestions that the "next time" should be in Pennsylvania or Australia, perhaps the next time could be back again, only this time let's take it slower, let's give ourselves time in between to let some of the sights, the sounds, the feelings -- sink in. Those who could not join us this time would, I'm sure, appreciate this too.

Thank you Wesley, for making all this possible. Thank you, David, for all the work. Till we meet again, dear cousins/friends -- thank you all for the privilege of knowing you .... keep in touch! much love ....

Kate & Erin (O'Neil)