My Friend Betty

I met Betty in the Fall of 1977 moving into my dorm room at Kean College. Betty was carrying a wicker hamper and I was, well, limping along on crutches! It was, obviously, a memorable meeting that I can recall in great detail even though it was more than 30 years ago! (I wonder why I’m even admitting that!) Wow, that was a long time ago, and much has happened in both of our lives since that fateful meeting. Betty is one of my dearest and best friends, to this day, and I thank the powers that be in the dorm room assignment office that they matched Betty and me to be in the same apartment. We did something a little sly back then when we realized we were in the same apartment but different bedrooms and we changed the name placards so we’d be together. It really was fate that our match was made in “roommate heaven.”

By the way, I was on crutches because John & I had a motorcycle accident that tore up my knee pretty badly. Except for some nasty scars that I still sport on my right knee, I was lucky not to have been injured worse. 

As soon as I knew Darren was being airlifted to Atlantic City Medical Center after being pulled from the bay, Betty was the first person I called. Having just gotten home from working there, she was already on her way out the door to meet me by the time the words were completely out of my mouth. She knew the seriousness of the situation from my very first word. She and her husband arrived shortly after I did, and were with me during those crucial first hours.    

Betty and Rick were with us in Atlantic City and Philadelphia as often as possible. Betty also came to Atlanta and stayed with me while Darren was at the Shepherd Center. And of course her visits continued once we were back in Kinnelon. Even though it’s a 2 1/2 hour drive each way, distance has never separated us. She was and still is a source of strength, friendship and knowledge. As an Occupational Therapist, she knew what to look for, what milestones to strive for, and how to help us attempt to cope with all that was happening.

As people with very strong faith, Betty and Rick tried to hold us all up. They spread the word of Darren’s injury to family and friends, and I know even today, more than 6 years later, their friends still tell me they pray for Darren. And I know Betty and Rick do, too. For that I am very grateful.

Last April, Betty and I made plans to get both families together – everyone – no exceptions! It was so great to have us all together, sharing dinner and each other’s company. Our children have all grown into wonderful, mature young people, and it was a special treat to be all together for an evening.

As I ran my 5 miles this morning, I thought of Betty and the many celebrations we have shared. Our birthdays are only 2 weeks apart, our wedding anniversaries one month apart and our childrens’ birthdays close together. We have shared so many fun times together, and when times were tough, she has always been there for me. 

Our next joint goal will be the NJ Marathon. I’ll be running the full; Betty will be running the half.  We’ll have a lot to celebrate that day, and mostly it won’t be the running, but to celebrate love, friendship and accomplishments that have spanned several decades. I look forward to several more decades of friendship in the future.

My friend, Betty. I love you. 

Cynthia

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