To you Mom, Yiayia, and Friend

Mom this is for you. You see one year ago today my mom, Peri (Paraskevi) Sarganis, was called home to the Lord.

Mom, that day was the hardest day of my life, only comparable to losing dad 22 years ago. You were so brave in the hospital, even when you knew it was the end. Remember when I asked you if you  were ready to go? When asked if you wanted DNR enforced how you screamed, "Yes!" for the whole ICU to hear. We all knew you had enough pain and wanted to reunite with dad and to meet God. I can picture your smiling face upon seeing your loved ones in heaven. I pray that I may be that brave in the end.

I know you saw me cry every day for the first six months and felt you there comforting me. Thank you for that.

You taught me so much about family, love, devotion, Greek heritage and how to be a mother in return.  I couldn't have raised my kids without your help. I hope I told you often enough how much I appreciated you dropping everything when we needed you. How you made your home open to all. I loved the holidays because I never knew who would be there, who needed a place to call home for the day. Your door was always open.

Mom, you will never be forgotten. How can we? You were larger than life. Always smiling, singing, and making us laugh. You know some of that laughter was by accident but mostly on purpose.

You were funny without even trying. Like how every piece of your clothing, shoes, and accessories that you wore were a Different Bright color. You sure loved your bright colors and your "Glorious" flowers.

Every flower in your huge garden was "Glorious".  That was your favorite word. I remember your love of Gardening, Singing, Cooking but mostly being with your loved ones. I have so many favorite memories. I always felt loved by you, even when you were hard on me. I know you were doing it to make me grow as an adult. I know I wasn't an easy daughter at times. You told me often enough. :-)

Like the time I told you at 19 years old I was engaged. Thank you for not freaking out. I now know how incredibly young that was to be married. Or how you would get so frustrated with me because I liked to go out on the weekends in high school and never seemed to make my curfew.

How about the time I came walking down the stairs for my prom to meet my date (now hubby) and you started singing the Miss America Song, "Here She Comes"?  I know I was the color of a tomato.  You Always trying to be funny and in the meantime embarrassing me like crazy.

Or when Hooters was the only restaurant still open  and you suggested that we go there and we asked you if you new what Hooters was. You replied, "I promise I won't dance on the tables".  Thank you for always making us laugh.

Thankful every day we captured this image of our Big, Fat, Greek Family.

See your big smile on your birthday. Always smiling.

You with your dear friend Joyce. Thought you would like this one.

One of my favorites of you, your high school senior pic

Best parents ever!

This video is how I will always remember you. Singing the craziest songs that no one has ever heard of. You know to this day it doesn't feel like my birthday until you would sing me the birthday song.

(Thank you Liddie for videotaping my mom. You captured her being my crazy mom.)

Well mom, we all miss you and love you. I know you are reading this letter and I hope it brings a smile to your face. Give dad a hug for me.