Today, the United States mourns the loss of former First Lady Betty Ford who died yesterday at the age of 93 surrounded by her family in Rancho Mirage, California. Betty Ford was one of the most admired and respected former first ladies. Much of this admiration and respect was the direct result of how Mrs. Ford handled her very public battle with drug and alcohol addiction in the late 1970's. Many people across America gained both hope and inspiration from Mrs.Ford as she dealt with these struggles. As a result of her own experiences, Mrs. Ford decided to open the Betty Ford Center as a way to help recovering drug addicts and alcoholics. Over the years, many celebrities have been treated at the clinic, including, Elizabeth Taylor, Johnny Cash, and Billy Joel to name a few. Betty Ford's public battle with breast cancer also became a source of inspiration for women all across the country. There is something to be said about the character of someone who is able to turn a negative situation in their life into something positive, not only for themselves, but for so many others as well. This will be the legacy of Betty Ford. She will forever be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and compassion for others. Mrs. Ford will be buried next to her husband, former President Gerald Ford at the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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