Family

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Hearing three small words, “The First Lady,” brings our minds to a kind of hush. It follows at the heals of, “Ladies, And Gentlemen, THE PRESIDENT Of The United States!” As Americas' First Lady she is to hold a role of example, influence, and above all support for her husband, The President. She is The Nations Hostess, Ambassador, and often becomes a fashion trend setter. I think for her it is often a lonely position to hold. Like no other, she truly knows The President, his concerns, his strengths and weaknesses, his hopes and disappointments, his success stories and yes his failures. She knows, but in most cases she must not share her knowledge with others. It is to be their little secret. Like a new bride, I believe at times she may want to run back home to Mother!

Our family has had our own “First Lady.” My Mother was “Betty Ford.” No, my Father was not Gerald. Dads' name was Franklin. Confused? Well, my Mom was truly not “The First Lady,” just had the same name. I know that was always special for her, sharing the recognized name of a “First Lady,” She would smile ear to ear! Mom died ten years ago, and may not be recorded in history; but she holds a lasting place of remembrance in our hearts, and a place in our Ford Family Tree. For a while she was able to hold an “imitation” celebrity status. At gala events, where it is by invitation only, the guests are greeted at the door, where their invitations are taken (often on a silver platter!) Then they are announced, formally presented to the others in attendance. If St. Peter is a gatekeeper in heaven, I wonder if he would call out as an introduction, 'First Lady, Betty Ford!”

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