Thank you all for your kind feedback. I do feel that I have moved to  a new level in grieving our dear friend. That  was not a level I got to with many people. Growing up in an abusive home meant that the death of my parents caused ambivalence.

That is yet another loss in the virtual absence of my parents. I did not get to have parents as a child. There were no parents to guide me as an adult and of course when they died there are no sweet memories to sustain me as an adult.  There is pain, anger and of course the dull sense of loss that drives out everything in its path 

What a complete cycle of loss and despair. 

I would not be where I am today without the warmth, kindness and direction imparted to me by Betty. There are few people who.were as passionate about al anon as she was. Her steadfadt faith and trust in the program sustained me and carried me through moments of complete despair. I know that Betty cherished being a Mother and celebrated every sucess her son navigared. What a dynamic mother she must have been.

I am grateful to have today to celebrate the indelible image of this stunning, loving, wise and resilient special friend.