On this Thankful Thursday I am thankful for the gifts of Martha Monteith to my life. I had the rare privilege of being one of those recommending Martha for the Honors of the South Carolina Speech and Hearing Association at its 50th Anniversary Celebration. She was a trail blazer for our profession by serving as the first speech pathologist in the Columbia public schools. She taught at South Carolina State University in the mid fifties. Among her students was the late Dr. Harold Powell. She is also a very gutsy lady. When The American Speech language and Hearing Association sent her to Russia in 1975 while the Soviet Union was still in full bloom, Martha stood on the stage of her Moscow hotel ballroom and sang, “God Bless America,” to thunderous applause. Her husband then quietly suggested that they leave. Martha is a graduate of Allen University and Case Western Reserve. Martha was a leader in the civil rights movement and her family has a tradition of producing educators and church leaders. Martha brings humor, charm, determination, backbone, perseverance, resilience and vision to make the road easier for all who follow. It is an honor and a privilege to know her and have her as a friend. On this Thankful Thursday I am grateful that Martha is a part of my life.
Thankful Thursday is a day set aside to recognize someone who is important to our lives. Let her or him know of your gratitude. Develop an attitude of gratitude. Say Something Nice; Be a Lifter. You will be glad that you did.
