Ed, my heart goes out to you snd your whole family ..what an adventursome life you and Betsy had together .. I so much remember her from our early years at first Presbyterian church youth groups together and then both of you at broughton ..she was one of my first friends at church because we were both so shy together .. and that is a bond I have not forgotten .. 💐marian
Top photo - Ed , Betsy and Stephanie Jackson (Waddell) 20th Broughton reunion Bridge Club; bottom photo- Karen Hinton(Schmeitzel), Betsy and Ed 50th Broughton reunion brunch
Ed and family - our thoughts are with you in the coming days. Betsy was a good friend in junior high and high school. She was very patient with me when SMSG geometry made no sense. We were both pretty goofy on the tennis court. Our bridge skills were about equal. Glad we had our visits in '87 and '17. Sitting on the back porch, catching up and talking about things past, present and future will always be a nice memory. Let us know when you come back this way. Our best to you, Lou and Robin
I send my condolences. You and Betsy made such a perfect couple and your life's work together had to have been most rewarding. This must be such a sad time for you. I hope it helps to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May your heart settle on the happy memories as you learn to live on.
Betsy died of ALS or Lou Gerhig's disease. Annually in the US 6,000 unlucky people get the disease. The medical community doesn't know what causes it, how to fight it there are only two drugs that supposedly slow the progression. Betsy had a fast progressive case she survived from August to April. It shuts off the messages from your brain and c-spine to actutuate voluntary muscles so in the end she was paralyzed and she could not swallow. The diaphram looses strength and CO2 builds up in your system and you become hypoxic. However your brain isn't affected by the disease so you aware of what is happening to you.
Big government and big pharma are not engaged in big money research because there are so few patients, 30,000 at any one time in the cycle. If you're so inclined please donate to the ALS association or the Gleason foundation.
Betsy was the love of my life and I miss her. But we rocked it for 52 years.
So sorry for your loss Ed. My wife's father died of ALS so I share your frustration regarding the lack of focus on this terrible disease. Our next donation will be in Betsy's name.
Betsy’s friendship was an important anchor for me during high school, always so steady and thoughtful and yet so much fun to be around. Over the years we managed to exchange visits in Tennessee and Washington and at a 50th brunch (photo attached)(Lou, thanks again, so much!). With each visit, the time in between simply evaporated. I will always cherish her friendship. My heart goes out to Ed and family for the trials of the past months and the absence they will always feel.
Marian L. Little (Steffner)
Ed, my heart goes out to you snd your whole family ..what an adventursome life you and Betsy had together .. I so much remember her from our early years at first Presbyterian church youth groups together and then both of you at broughton ..she was one of my first friends at church because we were both so shy together .. and that is a bond I have not forgotten .. 💐marian
Lou Kelley (Brewer)
Top photo - Ed , Betsy and Stephanie Jackson (Waddell) 20th Broughton reunion Bridge Club; bottom photo- Karen Hinton(Schmeitzel), Betsy and Ed 50th Broughton reunion brunch
Ed and family - our thoughts are with you in the coming days. Betsy was a good friend in junior high and high school. She was very patient with me when SMSG geometry made no sense. We were both pretty goofy on the tennis court. Our bridge skills were about equal. Glad we had our visits in '87 and '17. Sitting on the back porch, catching up and talking about things past, present and future will always be a nice memory. Let us know when you come back this way. Our best to you, Lou and Robin
Vicki G. Squire (Gauthier)
Ed,
I send my condolences. You and Betsy made such a perfect couple and your life's work together had to have been most rewarding. This must be such a sad time for you. I hope it helps to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May your heart settle on the happy memories as you learn to live on.
Vicki Gauthier Squire
Paul R. Woodard
Betsy and I grew up on the same street. So sorry to hear about her passing, Ed. She was a great lady.
W. Edward Whitaker
Betsy died of ALS or Lou Gerhig's disease. Annually in the US 6,000 unlucky people get the disease. The medical community doesn't know what causes it, how to fight it there are only two drugs that supposedly slow the progression. Betsy had a fast progressive case she survived from August to April. It shuts off the messages from your brain and c-spine to actutuate voluntary muscles so in the end she was paralyzed and she could not swallow. The diaphram looses strength and CO2 builds up in your system and you become hypoxic. However your brain isn't affected by the disease so you aware of what is happening to you.
Big government and big pharma are not engaged in big money research because there are so few patients, 30,000 at any one time in the cycle. If you're so inclined please donate to the ALS association or the Gleason foundation.
Betsy was the love of my life and I miss her. But we rocked it for 52 years.
Ed Whitaker Class of 67
Laura W. Boyd (Wooldridge)
Thanks for sharing her story, Ed. Beautiful pictures that reflect the riches of your life.
Laura Boyd (Wooldridge)
Mary E. Plybon (Edwards)
What a beautiful love story... prayers your wonderful memories will bring you some comfort in the days ahead.
Scott Durham
So sorry for your loss Ed. My wife's father died of ALS so I share your frustration regarding the lack of focus on this terrible disease. Our next donation will be in Betsy's name.Randolph E. Gill
Ed, your love for Betsy is apparent. I grieve for your loss and rejoice for your life together.
Karen S. Schmeitzel (Hilton)
Betsy’s friendship was an important anchor for me during high school, always so steady and thoughtful and yet so much fun to be around. Over the years we managed to exchange visits in Tennessee and Washington and at a 50th brunch (photo attached)(Lou, thanks again, so much!). With each visit, the time in between simply evaporated. I will always cherish her friendship. My heart goes out to Ed and family for the trials of the past months and the absence they will always feel.