Memories

Every once in a while someone will say something to me that reminds me of how much Betty meant to them and why. I have no reason to be surprised that her life touched so many. Usually it was because of the joy she had in living. Yesterday a former collegue in the Psych Department at Rocky simply stated that when we finishing a brief visit. Linda simply said: “I truly miss Betty. You know, the kind of person it was fun to be with.” Last week a young mother from the Church told me that it was Betty who first made her feel welcome. Another friend wrote after I had given a donation in honor of her mother who was also a long time friend of ours. Bonnie wrote: “She always loved you and Betty and loved to work in the kitchen with Betty. She would often remark that Betty was always singing and happy . . . .” That, of course, called to mind that the kitchen wasn’t the only place she sang. She was constantily hummning or “singing” as we walked through the Mall or the grocery store. I wasn’t always accepting of that wondering what other people would think. Now I know.

I looked, again, through the over 100 cards people sent after her death. Many of them spoke of how open and loving she was to them and how much it meant to them. A good friend from politics wrote: “Kindness radiated from her, Jim. She as kind and sweet and supportive and I never fel anything negative coming from Betty. Never.” Another spoke of how she always had a smile.

Son, Jim, had a T-Shirt with her picture on it. I haven’t been up to wearng it yet. But his note with the gift is testimony to her humor. “When I asked Mom about making a t-shirt for you, she said to make it an x-large so that she would not be stretched.” And then he commented to what we all have experienced: “She will be missed greatly.”