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I know this seems like an odd thing to do, but please bear with me. This has nothing to do with politics, I promise you.
I would like to take a moment to honor the passing of President Gerald Ford. Whether or not your republican, democrat, atheist, political or not I am requesting prayers for his family.
This was an extraordinary human being. He allowed our country to begin healing and recovering from an awful time in our history. Whether or not you agreed with his decision to pardon President Nixon, he demonstrated great courage in that decision. It allowed this nation to go forward. He demonstrated great forgiveness.
Remember also how he stood by his first lady, Betty Ford when she was recovering from her addictions. How hard that must have been in a time and place when addiction wasn't really talked about openly. Especially not for people in the public eye. Remember this dear lady and what it took for her to go public about it. Remember all of her great work in this field. How many lives has she affected just by coming out about it? How many families have they both helped by living the life of recovery on both sides? They both demonstrated the fact that there is nothing to be ashamed of. She had a disease and was treated for it. Nothing to hide. Put it right out there.
Let us take a moment to also thank this first lady for her coming out about her breast cancer. How many millions of women walk this earth now, because they got annual checkups and caught the cancer early? How many families are intact because of courage.
So here's to you President Ford. May you rest in peace. Thank you for your extraordinary service. To your family, my love and prayers are with you all. Thank you for all your experience, strength and hope. This is what Alanon is all about.
Love and blessings to you all.
Live strong,
Karilynn & Hubby
P.S. President Ford, I am devout USC Trojans fan when it comes to college football. You are a Michigan Wolverine. We play each other in the Rose Bowl tomorrow. Normally this would be a cut and dry thing for me. GO Trojans! But for the one and only time in my life, when I watch the game I will say, in your honor: "Go Wolverines!"
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It's your life. Take no prisoners. You will have it your way.
I get it. She went public with her addictions and that had a big influence on our attitudes in this country towards addictions and alcoholism. And he was not embarassed but stood steadfast by her side. When people (mostly celebrities) say they are going to the Betty Ford Clinic it is viewed as positive.
I don't think this is odd at all. I had similar thoughts the other day about everything President Ford and his wife have done for our nation. My thoughts have been with his family all week.
Jennifer
PS I'll be too busy watching the Capitolone Bowl to root for either of those
I was out to lunch with my recovering daughter (in her early 20s) on the day that he passed. One of her newly sober friends (also in his early 20s) joined us and said, "Did you hear? Betty Ford's husband died!" I thought that was a pretty strong statement on how many lives He and his wife touched. Kabbie
What a great post, thank you for reminding us of President Ford and his wife.
When I heard on the news the other morning of his passing, I was just so touched, I almost cried. I do remember him, and I do remember his wife coming out about the alcoholism and drug use.
What a nice thing you have done by reminding us that this disease touches even the highest of places, and that it can be conquered.
I, too, was so touched by this amazing man and his equally amazing wife. I thought he was so kind and gentle....something that was just him. I am so grateful for your post and the opportunity to honor them on this board. I was saddened by his death, but was comforted by the way he lived his life. I think we all can learn from he and his dear wife. My prayers were and are with his wonderful family.
I would like to also remind everyone that Betty stepped up out of addiction to help others . Quite a remark able lady. Prayers are a good thing , but the legacy here is that as a nation we still look for good solid examples in behavior. Betty Ford Clinics have helped alot of folks ... Amen