Recently, my niece, a very special young woman was called home to God. Chrissy was very special in many ways. Chrissy had "special needs", but she grew to be an incredibly special person! She came to us as a beautiful gift, but she grew even more so because of the bountiful love and nurturing that she received from her mom and dad, her brothers and sister, and the entire extended family of aunts and uncles and cousins and close family friends. They cared for Chrissy, they loved her, and they also took care to find the programs that would foster her growth not only as a warm, affectionate, funny, and lovely young woman, but also as an individual who would make a significant contribution to the world around her.

Chrissy leaves us with a "parathegma" – an example of God’s gift that was tended to with a deep appreciation, commitment, and love. We can follow her life’s story and let it be an inspiration to us. As Philoptochos members, we have always tried to reach out to those in need, not out of obligation, but with a sense of love and caring for the gifts on loan to us for there are many special needs in the world around us. We are fortunate and blessed to be able to give and tend to those in need.

At this time of thanksgiving, I am thankful for all our good members, both past and present. And, I look forward with hope that more women will join and more good works will continue in the future. God bless!