A letter from Ann: We are driven to help every person, every child, and every family reach their full potential.

Dear friends – 

On April 8 of this year, I lost my mother. 

She was ill and had passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family. Including me. 

I know this is the natural circle of life. This is the way it should be. Parents aren’t supposed to outlive their children. 

I wasn’t ready, though. Losing mom was one of the toughest experiences in my life.  

I channeled my grief into writing her obituary. It was a good exercise to focus on her accomplishments, travels, education, and her real purpose in life in a way that would make her proud. Just like all of us, my mother, Maria William Dragoumis, had a distinct personality, specific passions and funny quirks.  

For instance, mom used to feed my children M&Ms for breakfast when they were little. It drove me crazy! She did not care, for they were her grandchildren, and spoiling them was her “Yia Yia” duty. I also included my mother’s disdain of cooking in her tribute. She was definitely *not* the stereotypical Greek mother in the film, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” who roasted a lamb on a spit in her front yard. In addition, it wasn’t enough to say she was a wonderful grandmother. Her granddaughters, for example, will always cherish their time spent with Yia Yia at the nail salon, giggling and gossiping during those manicures. That’s my mom.  

After her obituary published, I was amazed at how many people loved reading about her. One acquaintance of mine sent a card that read, “I never had the privilege of meeting your mother in person. Now, thanks to you, I know her. Thank you for the wonderful introduction to your mom.” 

That got me thinking. Our community has experienced so much loss due to COVID-19. Too many individuals are still reeling from job and income loss and the inability to afford a roof over their heads and food on the table. Even more so, we’ve lost too many lives. I fear too much focus is on the number and not the name. Do we know enough about these individuals’ personalities, passions, and quirks?  

If you're like me and have lost someone close to you this year, I invite you to share with us who it is and what made that person special to you.

I can think of no better reflection for this holiday season. Let’s know one another better. Let’s surround each other with support. Let’s celebrate our passions. And, let’s honor the purpose in our lives.    

Thank you for being a part of United Way’s community. Have a safe and joyful holiday season! 

-Ann Murtlow