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In Memory of Martha
Written By: Sue Blair - Carpe Diem Farms | Issue: 2018/09 - September
The richness of life is not determined by your bottom line, your checkbook, your car or your home. The richness of life, your personal wealth on this journey, in my opinion is directly proportional to the depth of the relationships you share in life. For me and Carpe Diem Farms, it’s been rich beyond measure because of a 35-year relationship with Martha Mobley Parish. (May 16, 1916 – July 13, 2018)
Because of Martha I have experienced first-hand “growing older with grace.” If only I can be so grace-filled. Martha was only two years older than I am today when first we met and never did I feel an age gap. We met at the Highlands Country Club, assigned as team members in the weekly ladies golf association. She never cringed when paired with me, a novice golfer, and I never had a chance against her skill or competitive nature! We found common ground in our love of nature and became fast friends.
When I moved to my comfort zone establishing Carpe Diem Farms, Martha was right there cheering me on, telling folks all about her adventures on the farm. She was first to visit “Promise” the day he was born and her special relationship with him was born. She painted his portrait, her first-ever of a horse and named our 100 percent organic compost “Promising Results.” The painting became the product’s logo.
Martha’s interest in the magic of horses grew every year. She brought car loads and a full activity bus from Chestnut Hill to meet her equine friends and have me demonstrate the human/horse connection. She bought front row seats for every “horse whisperer” training we held and made sure to bring others along.
Her commitment included encouraging others to donate and volunteer, always wanting to help feed and care for the horses. Her enthusiasm knew no bounds.
When Easy’s Slipper was in its production infancy four years ago she and her friend Mott Wight volunteered weekly to help in the factory. It always seemed to me that there was nothing she wouldn’t do to be a contributor to the life and times of CDF. She never visited without a bag of treats for her barn buddies and they knew it.
Martha, at 102 and through all the ages I have known her, set the bar high. Her selfless acts of kindness, her appreciation of clouds, flowers, friends, and family made her one in a million. She will be missed and always remembered. Rest well, my friend.
