"Tartuffe", Every genealogist

Every genealogist must be an eternal optimist.  How else would one continue the search?  With a dead end around every corner, there are as many disappointments as there are corners and dead ends.  I find that genealogy research is a lot like golf or bridge or any other pursuit that can never be perfected.  At every attempt there is at least one good shot or hand that lifts your spirits, bolsters your confidence and makes you come back for another try.  My most recent encouragement came in the form of a 'leaf' from Ancestry.com.  I got an reply to a post from years ago.  The responder provided me with a picture of an uncle I had never seen, his obituary, his wife's picture and obituary and some information about several cousins.  I was/am very grateful.  I had hoped to establish a continuing correspondence but he has not responded since.  Butt... hope springs eternal.  After all, I'm a genealogist.