First Ladies

I'll never forget the comment my OB/GYN said to me after my mastectomy. He stood by my bed and said, "Well, how does it feel to be a first lady?"

First lady? Let me explain.

Prior to my surgery, Betty Ford, First Lady of the United States of America, had faced the giant breast cancer. Happy Rockefeller, the Vice-President's wife, had also undergone surgery for breast cancer. I had joined an exclusive club. The club of breast cancer survivor.

Mrs. Rockefeller faced her breast cancer quietly. The press left her alone. Mrs. Ford had to be public with her breast cancer. Every move she made was scrutinized by the press and the public. We never allowed her the privilege to grieve her loss in private.

Mrs. Ford became my hero. Because of her loss of privacy she faced other demons. I find no fault with that. Yet, in spite of those demons, she set out on a path to help other people. Betty Ford took her pain and suffering and turned it around so others could get relief from the demons in their lives.

Thank you, Mrs. Ford. Thanks for being a shining example. Thanks for being my hero.