I often tell my literature students that one of the marks of great literature is that it captures some aspect of human nature that is a universally true. After all, the true value of anything is founded on it surviving the test of time. Thus, a fundamental aspect of greatness is its enduring nature.

We MacIssac-Gillis ancestors have many outstanding traits including high intelligence and a mighty work ethic that have produced many accomplishments and successes. And as we have taken our place to be positive role models for our children passing down the values to the next generation, we must remind our progeny of the most important values in life, and that those values begin with family.

The great irony of Terry MacIssac Johnson's life, which could be described as a nurse but mostly a down to earth homemaker and wife, is that she would rise to the level of greatness because of her other work-- researching the genealogy of and connecting the MacIssac and Gillis families.

Many of us in the family are so much richer for having reconnected to family members reunited through reunions and social events she sponsored, and the knowledge of our extended families that she passed on to us as she compiled her research. Because of her effort, many of our children have connected and know each other and hold the promise of staying connected in the future and keeping the family stories alive--and there are many inspiring stories. But most of all, as far into the future as one can see, Terry MacIsaac's work will continue to connect our family and provide one of the greatest gifts of all-- the knowledge of who we are.

We must pass her lesson on to our children that the real value of one's own work is not the monetary value that is placed on it, nor is it the public notoriety that's placed upon it; it is the meaning and enduring quality of a work that produces great value. Despite the fact that we as a family are great nurtures with many doctors, nurses, teachers represented in our history, most of our work will be forgotten, but not in vain by any means for the world is definitely better place because of the MacIsaac-Gillis union; however, it will be Terry's work that will be remembered hundreds and possibly even thousands of years from now and thus has the potential to hold the fundamental quality of greatness.

This web sit is dedicated to you Terry MacIsaac Johnson: let it stand always as your legacy of being this family's greatest nurturing spirit.

       Thank-you my dear cousin Terry,

               --Bill AuCoin