In Texas and the surrounding area you don't even have to use her last name, everybody knows who you mean. Everyone with any interest in herbs or organic growing knows and loves Odena.

At over 95, Odena Brannam is the matron of Texas herbalists. She has been around a long time and has introduced thousands to herbs and educated a lot of people about them and how to grow them even when others say it can't be done. The things one learns from Odena are as much about life itself as about herbs for her wisdom applies to all.

To know her is to love her and to respect her courage. Odena spent much of her life doing things others thought were impossible but she went on ahead and accomplished those tasks because she didn't know that she couldn't do it. How can you know for sure if you don't try it - and give it your best?

If you see her, please tell her Merridee McClatchy (my wife) and Bob Anderson said hello - she has been and continues to be our mentor. Sometimes when we sit and remember some of the things she said, we learn all over again.

Updated March 13, 2008 -
It is March of 2008 and she is in her late 90s and in a nursing home in East Texas, according to an email I got from Sherry Grantham, whose mother is in the same nursing home. I guess her health is about what one could expect for her age and being in a nursing home. I wish her comfort, contentment and satisfaction in the life she has remaining.

Thank you, Odena, for being who you are and doing the things you have done. Our lives are fuller because of you.

So curl up with a cup of Odena's smart tea and one of her books and settle in for a pleasant evening.