TWENTY MINUTES
OF APOLOGY
BY
JILL HARGAN
(BUENA PARK, SPRING 1996)

Whew! I can't believe we're actually done. (Haven't we said that every year?) It seems like there's always something that tries to thwart our valiant efforts. Well, this time was no exception, but in spite of a few minor setbacks,we managed to complete our fifth, and largest, issue. Of course, that doesn't mean we haven't lost a few night's sleeps, and the bald spots where we pulled out our hair are growing back nicely, thank you.

I guess the biggest thank you this year has to go to the guys at California Hospital's computer department. They must have the magic touch, because they managed to resurrect my hard drive with all the Relativity data intact. It was touch and go there for a few days, while we wondered how we were ever going to redo so much of the work that we thought we'd lost. "Can you say back up your work? I thought you could."

There have been good things about this year, never fear. We've met several new friends via the internet. Two of them even submitted work and are represented in this issue. A very warm welcome to Diane and Tammy.

Diane has not only added a terrific new cousin to the family, she's also posted a wonderful web site devoted to Relativity. If you have access to the net, check out the address at the end of this editorial.

I have to extend a very special thanks to Maura and Gina, for not only writing their stories, but actually getting them to us on time. Now, if only Elaine and I could learn to stick to our own deadlines. Once again, thanks to all our cousin authors: Maura, Gina, Nita, Diane, Tammy, Becky, and, of course, Elaine.

Speaking of Elaine, don't ever let her tell you she can't be creative. Just read her editorial. She outdid herself this year. Thanks, partner for all your hard work.

At first I thought, except for Nita's great cover, we'd have no art for this issue. Our artistic-type cousins were all extremely busy and/or out of town. Then Joy came through and then Peggy surprised us at the very last minute. And Brenda and her scanner also pitched in. Thanks to all four of you for sharing your talents with us.

And another heartfelt thanks goes out to you, our readers, for supporting us yet again. I hope you enjoy this year's adventures as much as we enjoy creating them. Keep those cards and letters coming, so we know what you like and don't like about Relativity. I have a new e-mail address, that is, assuming we get our silly modem fixed.

Lastly, I must again thank my family for their support and understanding. To Kerry, Devin, Ian and Andrew, my love and gratitude.
Enjoy,
Jill Hargan
Co-Editor