Our mother (Anna and Arete), Agatha Papatriantafilou was born and raised in the mountains of Agios Demetrios, Greece.  Her brother, Christopher introduced her to our Dad, Aristotelis who was born and lived in the island of IOS. He did his part to provide for their family by fishing. Dad was on the boat most of the time. Dad was introduced to Mom by her brother, Christopher. They married and Mom was invited to live with her sister Fontini and Fontini’s family in the United States. It was 3 years before our Dad was reunited with Mom.  They were Naturalized and happily earned their American Citizenship.  Mom learned the medicinal properties of herbs and spices, patience and technique from her Father. She also learned how to preserve meats and prepare appetizers for her Father’s café. She learned how to sew from both, her Mother and Father, and she was skilled enough to mend silk stockings and sew suits. From both, she learned how to live off the land.  Her mother taught her children about natural things, the moon, the stars, earth and life in song, while they worked in the fields.  Her Mother died in her early 40’s and Mom missed her very much. Mom was left with the responsibility to raise her two much younger sister’s Athena and Magda.  Mom learned Philanthropy from both parents. We were taught by both of our parents, to acknowledge every person. Mom would say, “Good morning and Good Day belong to God, and you must greet everyone.” She used her skills to stretch our Dad’s income. She grew vegetables and used them to prepare our meals. There was always a pot of food on the stove and everybody was welcome to eat with us.  I don’t ever remember the four of us ever eating a meal alone. We should have had a revolving door instead of one that opened and closed. I would leave early in the morning for school through the back yard just to be greeted by the blue and purple Morning Glories that spread along the fence. Mom’s favorite color was Lavender or Lilac. No matter how bad the day was there were always homemade cookies (koulourakia and kourambiedes) on the table. Mom is in heaven with Jesus, celebrating with the Angels. Mom: Your Husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, sister’s, nephews and nieces and all that knew you love you Mom. You had such an impact on our lives. Thank You!