For anyone interested in using this solution here's a wrap up with the code simplified.
In the module:
Public ParamToQuery As String
Function returnedvalue() As Variant
returnedvalue = ParamToQuery
End Function
In the query: (Place the code below in the criteria line under the field you're using to refine the search)
Like ReturnedValue()
In the form: (I simplified this so it uses only one query)
Dim sHold As String
Dim recnum As Integer
sHold = InputBox("Enter a key word."

ParamToQuery = "*" & sHold & "*"
recnum = DCount("description", "qryDesc"
If recnum = 0 Then ' skipquery
MsgBox "There is nothing here for you."
Exit Sub
Else: Dim stDocName As String ' put alternative action here
stDocName = "qryDesc"
DoCmd.OpenQuery stDocName, acViewNormal, acReadOnly
End If
Thanks again, Jo.
L