Martha Corey-Ochoa, my only child, died at eighteen, and losing her caused me the greatest grief I have ever known.
Yet, four years later, I don't consider myself an unfortunate man. Instead, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth because I had Martha as my daughter. The years that I knew her were the best eighteen years of my life, and if I could go back to the time before she was born, and this time have a different child who wouldn't die so young, I wouldn't, because then I would never know Martha.
At the same time, I am conscious that the years are passing, and that when my wife and I are gone there will be few people left alive to tell Martha's story or honor her memory. As a writer, I know that every writer wants to be famous, if not while she is alive then afterward. The best thing I can do for Martha now is to give her her chance. I started this site to let her words speak for her. --George Ochoa
Write a comment
Elin Woodger Murphy (Tuesday, 05 July 2016 03:37)
This is beautiful - a wonderful way to honor your daughter's memory. George. I look forward to exploring the site and reading her writing.
George Ochoa (Tuesday, 05 July 2016 12:19)
Thank you, Elin.
gail (Friday, 15 July 2016 10:07)
The loss of your daughter is truly heartbreaking. I too have had some bad times in my life. The first was in 1985 when my oldest daughter at 15, was diagnosed with big polar. Then in 1993 my 19 yr old daughter had the same diagnosis! Thankfully, they both had amazing doctors and all the right meds. The 19 yr old attempted suicide once. After too many hospitalizations to count and too many meds to count, they are both doing well. One is now 46, with a sweet 11 yr old son and she is recently divorced. The other, now 42 is single, lives on her own and is doing well. I was lucky because they both always took their meds. And that, I feel has kept them going. Once again, I am so sorry for the loss of your amazing daughter
George Ochoa (Friday, 15 July 2016 12:46)
Thank you for your condolences. You are truly blessed to have been able to see your daughters mature as adults. What I miss most about Martha is the years of her adulthood that I never got to see.
Khuong Huynh (Wednesday, 09 November 2016 18:19)
Hi Mr. George and Mrs. Melinda,
I feel hearthbroken for Martha and your family. Even though we never met, I can tell from the pictures that she was a great human being that a parents should be proud of. I'm happy that she's not suffering anymore. I know one day you will see her again in heaven. Please email at knh2060@gmail.com if you need a friend. God bless you and your family. Thanks
George Ochoa (Saturday, 12 November 2016 14:08)
Thank you for your kind thoughts, I am very proud of her.