Correct me if I'm wrong, as I'm sure you will, but isn't :

FUNCTION myFunction
LPARAMETERS lcParam1, lcParam2
LOCAL lcThisFunctionLocalVariable
lcThisFunctionLocalVariable = lcParam1 + lcParam2
Return lcThisFunctionLocalVariable

passing a LOCAL up the chain.

>You can't return an array from a function except as a member of an object; however, if you pass something by reference to a function or method, modifying the parameter within the function or method results in changing the referenced item. You also cannot use the @ within a return, and can't pass something created as LOCAL or PRIVATE up the chain; only PUBLICs can be seen above the level at whichthey are created.