Terry,

I remember one Writing Marathon that ended at Matha's house. Thanks so  
much for sharing your mentor and our founder  with those of us who  
came to the Oklahoma Writing Project later on. Your love for Martha  
speaks highly enough. But I realize I owe her my own debt of  
gratitude. OWP changed my life, both professionally and personally.  
Thanks to Martha and the rest of you who are responsible for bringing  
and keeping the BEST professional development EVER to Oklahoma!!!


Shelly





On Jun 28, 2010, at 9:16 AM, Phelps, Terry wrote:

> OWP People,
>
> Last week, OWP co-founder co-director Martha Mills died at 92.  Many  
> of you knew her and know what an incredible person she was.  I was  
> fortunate to be in the first OWP Summer Institute that Martha and  
> Francis Dunham directed in 1978.  As I tell our Congresspersons each  
> year in the NWP Spring Meeting in DC, that summer institute changed  
> my life.
>
> Besides my family Martha was my favorite person in the world.  For  
> years I've called her "my marvelous mentor mom Martha Mills."  I was  
> writing a song for her the past few months that I didn't finish in  
> time to share with her.  I share it with you now as a poem.  She was  
> the most inspiring person I've ever known.
>
>
> My Marvelous Mentor Martha
>
> If her life were a fable, the moral would be,
> “Every day is a gift to be lived fully.”
> Through hardships she found opportunity.
> What an inspiring model she has been for me!
> My marvelous mentor Martha.
>
> Though her doctor had told her at age 35
> She had maybe 4 or 5 years to survive,
> To see her son grow up was all that she wanted;
> The doctor’s prediction left her undaunted.
> My marvelous mentor Martha.
>
> She taught children, then brought other teachers together
> To learn from their peers to teach even better.
> Later years in a wheel chair didn’t dampen her spirit;
> She stayed current and continued to read, write and edit.
> My marvelous mentor Martha.
>
> Who knows what or if tomorrow will be?
> “Every day is a gift,” she said often to me.
> Still the ultimate teacher at age 92
> She humbly shared insights, wisdom and truths.
> My marvelous mentor Martha.
>
> Perceptive, supportive, encouraging, she
> Had a word of praise she employed frequently:
> “Marvelous,” she cheered with sincerity
> Uplifting, inspiring, reassuringly.
> My marvelous mentor Martha.
>
> Terry Phelps