The Beauty of Betty
Betty’s story has resonated with many. She is 84-years old, and despite what most of us would call struggle and challenge, she has loved her life. Betty’s aspiration was to be a wife and mom and she did - and still does - beautifully. Betty has five children. She did not get to meet her mom, who passed away shortly after her birth, but Betty says, “I envisioned my mom being tender of heart, grateful and touched by others’ kindness.”
Betty is a reflection of her mom.
This is an excerpt from her story in the book Imagine Being In a Life You Love:
“Glen (who Betty married at age 16 in 1942) and I spent every minute we could together. We especially loved carnivals and picnics. He passed of cancer a few years ago, after fifty-four years of marriage. I guess I attribute our success to simply loving each other. We both came from laid-back families that never fought or screamed at each other. We didn’t think people did that, and I, at least, was more mature than most sixteen- year-olds because I’d had many things happen in my life by that time. We just loved each other 100 percent.
We lived in the moment, too. We thought anything was possible. Glen and I never thought about having anything on hold. We always made it, although I admit we were scared to death at times. But we always made it.
I never had much in the way of material things, but I have been rich in the things that matter most. I learned very young to accept things the way they were and adjust to it. And, I applied this all of the rest of my life. I knew I had to be satisfied with the wonderful things I had in my life.
I am happy. I’ve had a wonderful life. I haven’t done anything very important, but I’ve loved the Lord and my family. I’ve loved many other people. The greatest gift is love. I don’t have any money, but I don’t care. I can’t take it with me, anyway. My life is better than I could have imagined it would be. I just wish Glen could be here.”
Betty cannot believe her “simple” story is in a book, whereas I believe a book could be written about her story because Betty chose and wrote her own script.
So often a successful life is defined by what others view of it or by wealth and title. But what do you take with you? Nothing…but what can you leave behind? A life well lived and the people you raised to live it well too - those who love, honor, respect and model your values and integrity. These characteristics perpetuate your imprint.
Your life can, in part, be gauged by your memories and by how you have chosen to perceive your own life. Really, at the end of your life will you wish you had worked harder or accumulated more? Will that part of your life be the memory that bursts forth first? Probably not.
The only thing Betty says she ever really dreamed of was to have the best husband in the world and a long, long happy marriage and a bunch of kids. Betty says, “And that’s exactly what I got! Although we were dirt poor after the war, we didn’t care. We were so happy together.”
What makes you happy within? It is tough to avoid the stigma of the external, but I encourage you to give conscious thought to what you really love and who you really are. And, whatever it is that lights you up - it is perfect for you.
Experience the Beauty of Betty, and the beauty of the authentic “you”. That’s a true accomplishment. Thank you for the lessons, our beautiful, beautiful Betty.
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Susan Shipe
January 26, 2011 at 3:50 am
Kristin, I know hundreds of Betty's. I always remember those red words: whoever is least will be greater. What a blessing to read about Betty. Thank you for the poignant story.
Heather Palacios
January 27, 2011 at 3:48 pm
My 8 y.o., in a pouty moment, complained of a bad life. I couldn't believe it! But instead of ranting off all the things he SHOULD be thankful for, the spirit nudged, and I shared with him the things that truly denote a bad life (divorce, starvation, war, etc).
I'm glad our world has Betty's.
I hope I raise boys who are like her.