(excerpted from Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels newsletter)

Erma Lathum is eighty years young, and has been blind since the 1950s when her eyes succumbed to glaucoma. It is evident, however, that this has not slowed her down or dampened her zest for life. One of her favorite pastimes is playing the piano by ear. She still takes great pride in her apartment at Clark Towers East in Ypsilanti. Erma loves living in Clark East and says that the people living there are very friendly.

She was married to Al Lathum for 54 years. Originally from Arkansas, Erma lived in Ypsilanti for 41 years. The Lathums moved back to Arkansas after retirement but then when Al passed away in 2000 Erma returned to Ypsilanti. “After so many years,” she said, “Ypsilanti was really my home” and the move back enabled her to be close to her brothers. She and Al did not have children.

Asked what she liked most about Meals on Wheels, Erma said, “it makes me want to eat even when some days I don’t feel like it.” She really enjoys the stuffed peppers and macaroni and cheese but “could skip the fish.”

Every day, Meals on Wheels delivers hot, nutritious meals to homebound individuals like Erma. Last year, this United Way-supported program supplied more than 65,000 meals to elderly, ill and handicapped individuals.

When you give to United Way, you’re doing what matters: helping seniors live in safety and dignity.