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| 'Selfie' of 'Ms Betty', my wife and me after church today |
'Ms Betty' is leaving us, moving yet again. She has 'packed up' her worldly belongings several times over the years . . . from her native 'New Hamp-sha', through numerous billetings with her late Navy husband, Len, [see earlier post 'Mr. Len'], then here to North Carolina where we have known her for these past few years, and now on to Georgia to be close to her grand-son, an Air Force officer, and his family.
Approaching 94, she is a marvel. Still driving her big Nissan, maintaining her mental acuity, and just being delightful company, already we miss her. Our church had an 'early birthday and farewell lunch' for her this afternoon. (We also had the sad occasion of saying 'good-bye' to another couple who in retirement are moving to the NC coast.) This coming Advent season at church, we shall be reminded yet again of her creative and sharing spirit when the Christmon tree is placed in the sanctuary. Betty was the inspiration and instructor in preparing these symbols. Subsequently, she shared her know-how with other area congregations.
In our conversation today, she noted that her sense of humor has been indispensable as she has accumulated birthdays. My customary parting words to her are , "You behave yourself !" to which her consistent reply is "Do I have to ?". Her sister, Eleanor, has frequently visited her from New Hampshire and Betty has often gone there for extended visits. Several years ago, Betty and Len had planned to fly to Boston and subsequently rent an automobile for New Hampshire. When they learned that car rental agencies would not rent vehicles to persons over 80, they opted to drive the distance from North Carolina to New Hampshire. So much for being defined by age !
Among my regrets, I wish that I had recorded her reminiscences. 'Stories' are a huge part of how we define and understand ourselves and the worlds in which we live and have lived. I hope that her grand-son and family will make lots of videos. Like her impishly mischievous late spouse, she has lots of good stories waiting to be told and she tells them well.
Satchel
Hi Ron..... Yes, it's disappointing to Betty and me as well, that I couldn't find an apartment here that would accommodate all that she would need to bring with her, along with what I would bring, that we both could afford so to share being together up here. The housing situation here is horrendously difficult. So now, she will be even farther away from me than she is now. Of course, I hope to visit her again early next year, but don't expect to see her for our foliage display this fall.
ReplyDeleteBetty is an example for me to follow - 6 years older but still runs circles around me.
Always seems to have the right words to say in any situation, knows exactly how this-or-that should be done, and is still the best cook ever. I'm so glad that she will now be enveloped within a very loving family, and who will keep her active and in good health for as long as God wants her on His earth. And she will have a good while to do it, as our brother lived until the ripe age of 99 years.
Thank you and Loretta for being her friends. She will miss you, and all of her wonderful church family, more than could be imagined. Go in peace.
Eleanor - the Lil Sis.
Ron always enjoy your Msgs. Stop by when in the area
ReplyDeleteDick