Holtsville Resident Launches Campaign to Help Mothers of American Soldiers

Liz Graf, a Holtsville resident, walks the streets of her neighborhood with her granddaughter Madison regularly.

They’d often pass by a little brick home with United States Marines flags and ribbons commemorating 9/11.

On the ninth anniversary of 9/11, Liz and Madison baked patriotic cupcakes and shared a bond with the woman in the house who has two sons fighting in the war overseas.

“You have no idea what you did for me today,” the woman said, feeling good about the hospitable nature  in which Liz approached her home.

All along, Ashley, Liz’s daughter, soaked it in and turned this special occasion into something other mothers of veterans can benefit from and “Since You Went Away” was born.

The organization, which got its name from an older WWII movie, started last September and is meant to provide random acts of kindness for mothers in the most unobtrusive way possible.

“I can’t say how big Since You Went Away will become, or how many mothers we will actually have the privilege to bless,” Ashley said, “but I do know this, whatever we can do, by whatever means we may achieve it, we will do with all our hearts and be so thankful for the opportunity to give a little back to our great country.”

They’ve made it a habit of giving out yellow roses, baking cookies and just had candles made with their logo.

Their next big agenda item is a benefit concert being held at St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue on March 18 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30-40 and the money will go to support this new foundation.

On their website, there is a feedback list where many have left messages praising the good work they’ve done. Frederick Seitz, like many others, was touched with the reaction of their generosity.

“I wanted to write and let you know how special you made my wife feel today,” he wrote. “Our son has deployed, again, and it is not an easy thing to deal with. Your thoughtful and beautiful little gift could not have come at a more appropriate time. God Bless you all for your outstanding efforts and I hope you all know how much it is appreciated by not only the moms, but the dads as well. Thank you.”