This is a guest post by Rabbi Mitch who writes at Life Cycles with Rabbi Mitch. He is committed to bringing meaning and purpose to your life in a way that helps you connect to a spiritual path of joy in your expression of faith.
By now the news of Betty Ford’s death has reached us all. No doubt we each have our own memories, feelings and thoughts about her. I would like to share some of mine with you.
Betty Ford was and will always be one of my heroes. For those of us old enough to remember Betty during her peaks, we knew her as an attractive if not sexy wife of Gerald Ford, Michigan Congressman and then President of the United States. Betty and Gerry enjoyed a love affair for the ages, but that did not prevent her from speaking her mind, and when she spoke, she spoke clearly and directly.
She spoke of a women’s right to choose at a time when Republican wives were not supposed to say that; she spoke of believing her children had gotten high and if she were their age she probably would as well; she spoke of her daughter more than likely having engaged in a sexual union; she spoke her mind at all turns and at all costs.As we got to know and love her, we learned that she had breast cancer and she shared the journey with us. She then came to the microphone and told us she was a pill popping addict and drunk.
Imagine the courage it took; the First Lady of the United States telling us how flawed she was and giving us hope that if she could get well so could we. Her grace and elegance at all times will be what I remember about Betty. Her willingness to be honest about her imperfections hoping that her experience might help save another person; her dedicating her life to service, parenting, education, family issues, recovery, children, hunger and humanity.
You may reach Rabbi Mitch through Facebook at Life Cycles with Rabbi Mitch or through twitter @RabbiMitchFeld.
Hugs and blessings for a joyous day!
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This is a marvelous tribute to a wonderful woman. As Rabbi Mitch said, she changed the face of addiction and addiction treatment and will be forever remembered.
Lisa Frederiksen – BreakingTheCycles.com recently posted..The Core of Addiction
Hi Lisa,
She will be remembered by all as being such an inspiration. She used the challenges in her life to help others. Thanks for your comment.
I was really taken by your words, Rabbi Mitch. A beautifully written article about a very brave, remarkable woman. Thank you.
Yes, Betty Ford made an impact on us all. Thanks for your comment, Robyn.
I didn’t know much about Betty Ford before reading your post. It was great to learn more about her and how she readily shared her flaws. I can’t imagine that was easy given the position she was in and the fishbowl one lives in when you are the First Lady.
I ‘ve had the pleasure of booking her son, Steve Ford, for several speaking engagements. He has always been a joy to work with. He also supports the great work his mother did, speaking on recovery and addiction.
Hi Wendy,
How fun to work with her son! She was amazing and such a role model. Thanks for your comment.
In Honor of Betty Ford; I knew someone who babysat for the Fords when their kids were little.
My friend told Mrs. Ford that she wanted to marry a politician.
“Why is that?” said Mrs. Ford.
“Because I really love politics,” said my friend. “Well then,” said Mrs. Ford, “BE a politician.”
Did we realize how special she was when she was with us? I really hope so.
Hi Barbara,
What a wonderful story. She was an inspiration to us all and I really appreciated her candor. Thanks for your comment.