Betty Ford

Betty Ford

Betty Ford, widow of American President was born on April 8th 1918 in Chicago. Officially, her name was Elizabeth Ann, but from an early age, she was known as Betty. Betty was three years old when the family moved to Grand Rapid, Michigan. At the age of eight, she began attending dance school. In 1936, Betty graduated from Central High School and all the time, took lessons in dance and dreamed of becoming a dancer. She also has worked as a model in a department store.

Betty was much inspired by her mother and once said: "My mother was a strong woman. I would like to be as strong as she is." Betty's father, William Bloomer, was a merchant and due to his activities often is not home. In her life, he did not play a significant role, because she rarely mentioned him. He died when Betty was 16 years old due to the consumption of alcohol.

At the age of 20, went for two years in a dance school in New York, but unfortunately did not succeed. In order to remain busy, she worked as a model while participating in public life, where she started drinking excessively in social gatherings. Later, Betty's mother invited her to come home for some time to think about the future. Betty has accepted the invitation and did not return to school dances (Anthony, 1991).

In 1924 Betty married to the insurance agent William C. Warren of Grand Rapids. Marital happiness did not last long. Warren began to neglect his wife and spent much time with friends in a pub. Betty decided to divorce, she was 29 years old and already had the bitter experience of family life. This has badly affected her mentally and psychologically which resulted in use of drugs and alcohol.

Beginning in 1948, Betty met Jerry at a fashion show in New York. In February 1948, Jerry made Betty a proposal which she accepted. The wedding took place on October 15, in the midst of election campaigns. She assisted her husband in his office in the Capitol, conducted a household, and participated in public work. She has collaborated with various women's organizations: the Club of wives of congressmen, Club Congress, Women's Club Republicans.

Betty Ford has actively promoted the adoption of a supplement to the Constitution on Equality between Women and supported the need for cooperation of women in political institutions. In the framework of social activism Betty Ford, took care of the mentally retarded children, children from broken and poor families, who are invited to receptions at the White House. Much of the time was spent in children's hospitals in Washington, and urged others to follow suit. In addition, the program supported by the old, poor and sick people.

Betty Ford went through very hard time when her husband's defeated in the election against Jimmy Carter in 1976. Her health started deteriorating day by day. She increasingly began to take tranquilizers pills, pain medication ...