DEAR ABBY: I am so happy that I asked you to help me find my deceased wife's relatives so that I could give them her family album. Because of your column, I was able to locate a man named Hemenover who was raised together with my wife by Mrs. A. Hemenover of 1300 San Pablo Ave. in Oakland. So I have dispatched the album to him. He is 80 years old. I hope he can identify some of the people in the pictures. I also came up with two great-grandchildren, and some valuable information about my wife's background, too. (She had told me almost nothing about her family.)
Abby, the C.I.A. should put you under contract!
The response of your readers was swift, gracious and sincere. From coast to coast, they sent information and offered their help and encouragement.
I have talked to several of the Hemenovers. Abby, you have fired up a great new interest in their family background -- an amazing feat, and all in less than one month!
An observation: When my daughter suggested I contact you, she said, "Some people read sports, editorials, finance and funnies, but EVERYBODY reads Dear Abby." She was correct. So thank you very much for being there and bringing my search to a successful conclusion. -- GAYEL CHEW, MEDFORD, ORE.
DEAR MR. CHEW: I have often said that my readers are the most generous and caring people in the world -- and your letter illustrates that I wasn't exaggerating. I'm pleased that your problem was so quickly and happily resolved. Thank you for a dandy day-brightener.