A Tribute to Betty Lou

Sometimes everything stops. Recently this has been our experience. Mike's mom, Betty Lou, took a fall that would change her life. While she fought hard, as she always does, her body became weak and within a few days it was apparent that THIS time, she was preparing her sights on heaven.

Today I found myself reflecting on Betty and some of the ways she has changed me. Please allow me to share this reflection.

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Betty’s on my heart this morning. I’m sad but appreciate all the lessons she taught me.

I likely frustrated her as I was trained to do dishes immediately after a meal. It took me years to fall into Betty’s rhythm and settle into the living room for pleasant conversation instead of trying to clean up. Maybe she was the one who brought out the “Mary” in me. She helped me to learn the importance of people, conversation and an after dinner “rest”. The dishes always wait. Haha

Over the years I watched as she prepared many meals for us. In the process I learned an easy way to peel potatoes for salad, that a touch of French dressing adds spice, a bit of sugar tames goulash. Mike just learned that one after bringing his goulash to her. She was quick to let him know her secret.

Her chocolate chip cookies became my chocolate chip recipe-a favorite in my family.

When she likely missed our family because we were in a season of busyness, raising 4 kids, working, jumping from baseball to gymnastics to basketball, it was common for Betty to call Mike and invite us to Sunday dinner.

These impromptu dinners taught me that she valued us. I believe we always accepted her invitations. Again she taught me to carve out time for the important things. She provided the place. We brought the chaos.

I’m sad that we started to celebrate some of the holidays alone because I thought our large family was too much. In retrospect Betty would have welcomed the energy, laughter and smiles our family would have brought.

Betty and Milo came to baseball games, gymnastics meets, they celebrated all the milestones in our lives. Our kids are so blessed to have had their grandparents all these years. They were a staple in our lives-always present-always ready, willing and helpful.

Finally, as Betty settled in bed in her home on Tuesday night, I prayed for God's presence and that when His timing was right, that she would sleep into the arms of Jesus and Milo. At about 7 am, she did that.

As a people of faith in Jesus Christ we can know beyond a shadow of a doubt that our loved ones are celebrating a most glorious experience in heaven.

That, my family and friends, is our hope. It rests on Jesus. He really did give His life for us so that we may know Him. He conquered death so that we can live with Him eternally.

We will miss Betty. We love her and cherish the sweet touches she has left with us. 

If you know Jesus, you know you will see her again. In a place where there are no more tears, heartache or regrets. If you don’t know Him, reach out to someone who does. Ask questions. Be vulnerable. Jesus has been pursuing you for a long time.

Betty, rest in peace. Say hi to all our loved ones. Enjoy your new home.

Until we meet again.