- World's Best Selling Male Latin Artist: Marc Antony, Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias, Luis Miguel
- World's Best Selling New Female Pop Artist: Anastasia
- World's Best Selling New Rap Artist: Lil Bow Wow, Nelly, Lil Kim
- World's Best Selling Pop Group: Back Street Boys, Destiny's Child, N'Sync, Dixie Chicks
- Best Selling African Artist: Yannick
- Best Selling Italian Artist: Eros Ramuazotti
- Best Selling Russian Artist: Alsou
- World's Best Selling Female Latin Artist: Gloria Estefan, Christina Aguilera, Shakira, Jennifer Lopez
- World's Best Selling Femal Pop Artist: Christan Aguilera, Britney Spears, Faith Hill, Madonna
- Best Selling Belgian Artist: Lara Fabian
- Best Selling Female British Artist: Sonic Youth
- Best Selling British Group: The Beatles
- Best Selling Scandinavian Artist: Aqua
- World's Best Selling Male Pop Artist: Sting, Ricky Martin, Moby, Enrique Iglesias
- World's Best Selling Dance Artist: Ricky Martin
- Best Selling Irish Artist: Enya
- World's Best Selling New Age Artist: Enya
- World's Best Selling R&B Male Artist: R. Kelly, Craig David, Sisqo, Brian McKnight
- World's Best Selling Rock Group: Creed, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Santana, U2
- World's Best Selling Latin Group: Santana
- Best Selling Swiss Artist: Gola
- Best Selling German Artist: Peter Maffey
- Best Selling French Solo Artist: Helene Segara
- Best Selling Arab Artist: Cheb Mami Diamond World Music Award: Rod Stewart
- World's Best Selling Rap Artist: Eminem
Tuesday, May 29, 2001
2001 World Music Awards
For the life of me, I don't know why His Serene Highness, Prince Albert doesn't commission somebody to do a web page for his totally cool annual awards ceremony. It is by far my favorite of all the many award shows. Where else can you see anyone sing in Italian? The two-hour show was broadcast on ABC 05/28/2001. The show only has the chance to feature of few of the winners: Here they are.
Wednesday, May 9, 2001
My pet ferret Alex
Alex is a really cute ferret I bought in Provo when I was passing through for my sister's wedding in Manti. Alex is 4 years old and very moody. She is queen of her castle.
Alex is a girl, and she prefers to be alone, except when she's with me.
Her name, Alex, is short for Alexandra. She has two very round eyes and a furry tail. Alex lives in Tigard, in an apartment with me. She is very quiet and likes to lurk around in dark shadows. Her mysterious nature keeps us entertained, especially when we look for her.
Alex likes to hide under my bed and follow me around. She does not answers to her name.
Dislikes:
Page Created May 2001; Updated 03-26-2002
Her name, Alex, is short for Alexandra. She has two very round eyes and a furry tail. Alex lives in Tigard, in an apartment with me. She is very quiet and likes to lurk around in dark shadows. Her mysterious nature keeps us entertained, especially when we look for her.
Alex likes to hide under my bed and follow me around. She does not answers to her name.
Dislikes:
- her new roommates
- bathing
- to find places to hide
- climbing in the shower
- exploring the apartment
- tunneling
- chocolate
Page Created May 2001; Updated 03-26-2002
Tuesday, April 24, 2001
Music Legend Gladys Knight Weds William McDowell
excite news
SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 24 - PRNewswire Interactive News Release
MCA Records recording artist Gladys Knight was wed to Mr. William McDowell on April 12 at 5pm at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel in Dana Point, California. The intimate ceremony was attended by eighty family members and close friends, all of whom donned white or cream-colored clothing for the seaside nuptials. Gladys' son Shanga gave her away, and the couple recited special vows they had each written. The ceremony was followed by a reception where the menu included Caesar salad, rack of lamb, sea bass, and apple tarts with caramel ice cream, as well as traditional wedding cake and a sparkling cider toast to the bride and groom.
Gladys and William first met about 10 years ago at La Costa, one of Gladys' favorite spa/resorts (located near San Diego, California). They went to a 4th of July party, and became fast friends, keeping in touch over the years. In January of this year, Gladys and several girlfriends met at La Costa to plan a friend's wedding, and Gladys saw William again. William asked Gladys to join him for a movie, and they had a great time. He then asked her on a second date, and they went to a beautiful private beach, where they gazed at the stars and talked about life. Since then, the couple has been inseparable, and they vowed to remain chaste before their marriage.
Because Gladys is touring throughout the summer with the Broadway revue "Smokey Joe's Cafe," the couple decided to get married on April 12, a rare day off for Gladys, rather than waiting until the tour's conclusion in September. This wedding date also allowed the family's many children to attend the ceremony, as they were out of school for spring break and Easter weekend.
Gladys and William haven't yet celebrated with a proper honeymoon. After the ceremony, the family returned to Las Vegas (Gladys' "hometown"), where they celebrated Easter with the family traditions of an egg hunt for Gladys' 11 grandchildren and a big family dinner. Since the wedding, Gladys and William have spent cherished moments together, between Gladys' "Smokey Joe's Cafe" performances.
William McDowell is vice president of the Harris Group, a corporate consulting firm based in San Diego, California. A native of Asheville, North Carolina, McDowell is a graduate of the Geological Institute of America.
"At Last," Gladys Knight's first mainstream pop/R&B album in six years, was released to critical acclaim in February.
SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 24 - PRNewswire Interactive News Release
MCA Records recording artist Gladys Knight was wed to Mr. William McDowell on April 12 at 5pm at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel in Dana Point, California. The intimate ceremony was attended by eighty family members and close friends, all of whom donned white or cream-colored clothing for the seaside nuptials. Gladys' son Shanga gave her away, and the couple recited special vows they had each written. The ceremony was followed by a reception where the menu included Caesar salad, rack of lamb, sea bass, and apple tarts with caramel ice cream, as well as traditional wedding cake and a sparkling cider toast to the bride and groom.
Gladys and William first met about 10 years ago at La Costa, one of Gladys' favorite spa/resorts (located near San Diego, California). They went to a 4th of July party, and became fast friends, keeping in touch over the years. In January of this year, Gladys and several girlfriends met at La Costa to plan a friend's wedding, and Gladys saw William again. William asked Gladys to join him for a movie, and they had a great time. He then asked her on a second date, and they went to a beautiful private beach, where they gazed at the stars and talked about life. Since then, the couple has been inseparable, and they vowed to remain chaste before their marriage.
Because Gladys is touring throughout the summer with the Broadway revue "Smokey Joe's Cafe," the couple decided to get married on April 12, a rare day off for Gladys, rather than waiting until the tour's conclusion in September. This wedding date also allowed the family's many children to attend the ceremony, as they were out of school for spring break and Easter weekend.
Gladys and William haven't yet celebrated with a proper honeymoon. After the ceremony, the family returned to Las Vegas (Gladys' "hometown"), where they celebrated Easter with the family traditions of an egg hunt for Gladys' 11 grandchildren and a big family dinner. Since the wedding, Gladys and William have spent cherished moments together, between Gladys' "Smokey Joe's Cafe" performances.
William McDowell is vice president of the Harris Group, a corporate consulting firm based in San Diego, California. A native of Asheville, North Carolina, McDowell is a graduate of the Geological Institute of America.
"At Last," Gladys Knight's first mainstream pop/R&B album in six years, was released to critical acclaim in February.
Thursday, April 12, 2001
Gladys Knight 1994-2003
On August 29, 1995 Gladys Knight married Les Brown. He encouraged her to speak publically and write a book.
In 1996 Gladys Knight performed again at Madison Square Garden where she had performed a the age of eight and won the Ted Mack championship. It was filled to capacity, and they gave her a standing ovation. She collaborated with Chaka Khan, Brandy and Tamia on the hit "Missing You," taken from the Queen Latifah movie Set It Off. Gladys Knight and The Pips were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Gladys Knight appeared in an episode of the Jamie Foxx Show.
In 1997, just before the publication of her autobiography, Between Each Line of Pain and Glory, Les Brown was diagnosed with prostate cancer and divorced Gladys Knight.
August 11,1997: Gladys Knight embraced membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by being baptized. She also released her first inspirational album Many Different Roads.
In 1998 Gladys Knight celebrated her fiftieth year as a performer. She appeared in an episode of The Roseanne Show. Gladys' son Shanga graduated from the University of San Diego and opened a restaurant in Atlanta called Gladys Knight and Ron Winan's Chicken and Waffles.
In 1999, Gladys Knight appeared on broadway in Smokey Joe's Cafe. In the spring, she was a presenter at the annual Women's Conference sponsored by Brigham Young University and the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Click here to read her address. June 12, 1999: James "Jimmy" Newman, Gladys Knight's eldest child and manager died at his home in Las Vega, Nevada at the age of 36. He left behind his wife Michelene and four children: Richawn, Nastasia, Sterling and Stephan. Obituary 1, 2. On November 8, 1999, Gladys Knight appeard with Al Green in an episode of Ally McBeal. In 2001, Knight released her first pop album in six years, At Last. She appeared on the television game show: Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?! to help raise money for diabetes. She also toured with the Broadway revue Smokey Joe's Cafe. April 12, 2001: Gladys Knight married corporate consultant William McDowell. Her son Shanga gave her away in a seaside ceremony attended by 80 relatives and friends. Knight and McDowell met about 10 years ago but didn't date until January.
In 1996 Gladys Knight performed again at Madison Square Garden where she had performed a the age of eight and won the Ted Mack championship. It was filled to capacity, and they gave her a standing ovation. She collaborated with Chaka Khan, Brandy and Tamia on the hit "Missing You," taken from the Queen Latifah movie Set It Off. Gladys Knight and The Pips were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Gladys Knight appeared in an episode of the Jamie Foxx Show.
In 1997, just before the publication of her autobiography, Between Each Line of Pain and Glory, Les Brown was diagnosed with prostate cancer and divorced Gladys Knight.
August 11,1997: Gladys Knight embraced membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by being baptized. She also released her first inspirational album Many Different Roads.
In 1998 Gladys Knight celebrated her fiftieth year as a performer. She appeared in an episode of The Roseanne Show. Gladys' son Shanga graduated from the University of San Diego and opened a restaurant in Atlanta called Gladys Knight and Ron Winan's Chicken and Waffles.
In 1999, Gladys Knight appeared on broadway in Smokey Joe's Cafe. In the spring, she was a presenter at the annual Women's Conference sponsored by Brigham Young University and the Relief Society of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Click here to read her address. June 12, 1999: James "Jimmy" Newman, Gladys Knight's eldest child and manager died at his home in Las Vega, Nevada at the age of 36. He left behind his wife Michelene and four children: Richawn, Nastasia, Sterling and Stephan. Obituary 1, 2. On November 8, 1999, Gladys Knight appeard with Al Green in an episode of Ally McBeal. In 2001, Knight released her first pop album in six years, At Last. She appeared on the television game show: Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?! to help raise money for diabetes. She also toured with the Broadway revue Smokey Joe's Cafe. April 12, 2001: Gladys Knight married corporate consultant William McDowell. Her son Shanga gave her away in a seaside ceremony attended by 80 relatives and friends. Knight and McDowell met about 10 years ago but didn't date until January.
Thursday, March 1, 2001
Sister Gladys' Testimony Reflects New Acceptance
by John R. Goodie Special for the
Arizona Republic March 1, 2001
I'm leaving, on a midnight plane to Mesa, leaving on a midnight plane to Mesa, woo, woo. Those were the words of the famous Gladys Knight as she left Las Vegas airport around midnight Saturday on her way to Mesa, Arizona. Yes, you heard me right.
For those of you who need a little schooling, I'm talking about Gladys Knight of Gladys Knight and the Pips, who has more gold records than most of us have dishes. Her song Midnight Train to Georgia still hits radio waves throughout America. I know many of you are wondering, wow, how did we miss her? Was she at AWA, BOB or Desert Sky Pavilion? What were the ticket prices, $25, $30? I will set your mind at ease.
Gladys Knight didn't appear in any fancy arena. And admission was free. Fashion statements didn't call for Jones of New York, Liz Claiborne, Gucci or Georgio Armani; instead shirt and tie for the men and plain Sunday best for the women. You see, Gladys Knight was on a mission call in Mesa for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She became a Mormon on Aug. 11, 1997, and was here giving a moving testimony on how she and her daughter, through her son, converted to the LDS Church.
I can hear many of you now, thinking that the LDS Church plans on using Gladys Knight as a tool to draw African-Americans to the church. Well you're right and you're wrong. Gladys went on record stating that she is blessed to be that tool to reach out to people of all races because she believes the church to be the true church.
Tool or no tool, true church or not, that's neither here nor there in this column. But the Mesa Pueblo Stake Center had more African-Americans under its roof than ever before. I, along with my wife and my mother, who flew in from Houston for the occasion, were moved many times during her testimony.
I kid you not. I consider myself a tough guy, rough around the edges. Tears were trickling from my eyes and at first I felt embarrassed. Then I didn't care as tears flowed. As a Catholic, I've been to Catholic churches on many of Sundays and have never felt the spirit or experienced the fullness of the heart that caused my emotions to overflow in front of my wife and mother.
Gladys spoke about her son, Jimmy, who led her and her daughter to the church. She noted that it wasn't until 1978 that African-American men could receive the honor of priesthood. Jimmy became a priest two years ago.
However, last year she lost Jimmy. She remembers how happy Jimmy was before he died because he was able to baptize his son. She has comfort because she knows she'll see her son again.
Sister Gladys Knight brought many people together on Sunday, and for many it was the first time they've ever set foot in a Mormon church. She sang four beautiful songs, her voice still strong and captivating as ever.
I would like to speak for my family, myself and all the visitors who felt genuinely welcomed and loved and who felt the spirit that was alive at the Pueblo Stake Center for "An Evening with Gladys Night and Family."
Some things will never be forgotten. Thank you.
John R. Goodie is head of security at Mesa High School and the 1998 recipient of the National Education Association's Human and Civil Rights Award. The views expressed are those of the author.
Arizona Republic March 1, 2001
I'm leaving, on a midnight plane to Mesa, leaving on a midnight plane to Mesa, woo, woo. Those were the words of the famous Gladys Knight as she left Las Vegas airport around midnight Saturday on her way to Mesa, Arizona. Yes, you heard me right.
For those of you who need a little schooling, I'm talking about Gladys Knight of Gladys Knight and the Pips, who has more gold records than most of us have dishes. Her song Midnight Train to Georgia still hits radio waves throughout America. I know many of you are wondering, wow, how did we miss her? Was she at AWA, BOB or Desert Sky Pavilion? What were the ticket prices, $25, $30? I will set your mind at ease.
Gladys Knight didn't appear in any fancy arena. And admission was free. Fashion statements didn't call for Jones of New York, Liz Claiborne, Gucci or Georgio Armani; instead shirt and tie for the men and plain Sunday best for the women. You see, Gladys Knight was on a mission call in Mesa for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She became a Mormon on Aug. 11, 1997, and was here giving a moving testimony on how she and her daughter, through her son, converted to the LDS Church.
I can hear many of you now, thinking that the LDS Church plans on using Gladys Knight as a tool to draw African-Americans to the church. Well you're right and you're wrong. Gladys went on record stating that she is blessed to be that tool to reach out to people of all races because she believes the church to be the true church.
Tool or no tool, true church or not, that's neither here nor there in this column. But the Mesa Pueblo Stake Center had more African-Americans under its roof than ever before. I, along with my wife and my mother, who flew in from Houston for the occasion, were moved many times during her testimony.
I kid you not. I consider myself a tough guy, rough around the edges. Tears were trickling from my eyes and at first I felt embarrassed. Then I didn't care as tears flowed. As a Catholic, I've been to Catholic churches on many of Sundays and have never felt the spirit or experienced the fullness of the heart that caused my emotions to overflow in front of my wife and mother.
Gladys spoke about her son, Jimmy, who led her and her daughter to the church. She noted that it wasn't until 1978 that African-American men could receive the honor of priesthood. Jimmy became a priest two years ago.
However, last year she lost Jimmy. She remembers how happy Jimmy was before he died because he was able to baptize his son. She has comfort because she knows she'll see her son again.
Sister Gladys Knight brought many people together on Sunday, and for many it was the first time they've ever set foot in a Mormon church. She sang four beautiful songs, her voice still strong and captivating as ever.
I would like to speak for my family, myself and all the visitors who felt genuinely welcomed and loved and who felt the spirit that was alive at the Pueblo Stake Center for "An Evening with Gladys Night and Family."
Some things will never be forgotten. Thank you.
John R. Goodie is head of security at Mesa High School and the 1998 recipient of the National Education Association's Human and Civil Rights Award. The views expressed are those of the author.
Wednesday, January 10, 2001
My pet ferret Boris
Boris is a really cute fellow I found at my local pet store. We brought him home 01/10/2001. He was probably about eight weeks old. He is lovable and sweet and belongs to me and my husband, Mike.
Boris is growing large very quickly. He is named Boris, because he has an underbite which makes him look very menacing. He has two very round, dayk eyes and a furry tail. Boris lives in Tigard, in an apartment with me. He is very quiet and likes to scurry about from one piece of furniture to another. His activity keeps us entertained, especially when we look for him.
He likes to hide under my bed and follow me around. He answers to no name, but will come if I have choolate syrup on my fingers.
Dislikes:
- going back into his pent house.
- being kept from bullying the other ferrets.
- to find places to hide
- exploring the apartment
- bullying the other ferrets
Sunday, December 3, 2000
Tribute to my grandmother Betty Ford
12/03/2000
To: Suzanna, Erin, Anna and Gabrielle
Today, Dec. 3, 2000, at approximately 4:00 PM, Betty Elaine Baumberger Ford, passed away in a nursing home in Atlanta Georgia with Arlene Ford by her side. She had suffered a severe systemic staph infection and spent a month in hospital, finally being released last Monday into a nursing care facility. She had been in great pain during most of that time until 3 days before her death when doctors finally prescribed medication which brought some relief. She knew that Jeff and Arlene were near and helping her as much as they could. She also knew that she was loved. Her wishes that she be cremated will be carried out without any service or viewing at this time. Her ashes will be kept for possible future as yet undetermined memortial service and disbursement. I love her and I am thankful that her suffering is over.
Her second daughter, Dianna
To: Suzanna, Erin, Anna and Gabrielle
Today, Dec. 3, 2000, at approximately 4:00 PM, Betty Elaine Baumberger Ford, passed away in a nursing home in Atlanta Georgia with Arlene Ford by her side. She had suffered a severe systemic staph infection and spent a month in hospital, finally being released last Monday into a nursing care facility. She had been in great pain during most of that time until 3 days before her death when doctors finally prescribed medication which brought some relief. She knew that Jeff and Arlene were near and helping her as much as they could. She also knew that she was loved. Her wishes that she be cremated will be carried out without any service or viewing at this time. Her ashes will be kept for possible future as yet undetermined memortial service and disbursement. I love her and I am thankful that her suffering is over.
Her second daughter, Dianna
12/04/2000
Jeff,
I got your phone message this evening. Thank you for the call. I knew what it was going to be when I saw your number on the Caller ID. I assume that in the condition that Mother was in, living didn't have much more to offer. Perhaps she is better off now. Even so, I feel terribly alone without parents. I sincerely thank you and Arlene for talking care of Mother for the last 25 years and especially this last year. What were her last wishes?
Brian
Jeff,
I got your phone message this evening. Thank you for the call. I knew what it was going to be when I saw your number on the Caller ID. I assume that in the condition that Mother was in, living didn't have much more to offer. Perhaps she is better off now. Even so, I feel terribly alone without parents. I sincerely thank you and Arlene for talking care of Mother for the last 25 years and especially this last year. What were her last wishes?
Brian
12/05/2000
Brian,
Mother had a very difficult last month and it is a blessing at this time that her suffering is now over. Over her last four days she was given morphine to reduce her discomfort and at the time of her passing she did not show any signs of pain. For that I am greatful.
Concerning her wishes, mother never wanted any fuss to be made. She was always frugal in her conduct and never wanted to be a bother or burden to her family.
She explicitly stated that she did not want a religious ceremony. The only time that I was able to get any specific wish related to the handling of her remains was on a visit I made years ago when Arlene and I were still in Chicago. I took her to a restuarant in Santa Barbara, on top of a hill overlooking the bay on a typically beautiful California day. She told me that she would like to have her ashes spread in the Pacific Ocean off the Santa Barbara pier. Our mother loved California and Santa Barbara was a beautiful and majestic place that symbolized that special quality that California represented to her. Years later she said that it really did not matter that much to her what happened to her remains. However, I believe that it did matter to her and my intention is to do exactly what she had requested. It is my way of honoring her and to express my unconditional love for her.
I do not yet have a specific time frame to carry out her wish and I do not feel rushed to make a quick decision in this regard. These details can be worked out over time and anyone that wishes to participate can let me know and I will try to make accommodations. I intend on writing a eulogy for mother which I can read before the spreading of the ashes. Anyone that wishes to write some sentiments they want expressed at that time can either participate directly or I will be happy to read those sentiments on their behalf.
We all owe a great deal of gratitude to Arlene. The care and kindness that she showed mother over the 35 years she has known her has been remarkable. But even that pales in comparison to her recent devotion. Arlene worked extremely hard to help relocate mother to be close to us in Atlanta as her health made it impossible for her to continue to live independently. Once in Atlanta, Arlene spent countless hours four and five days a week to help mother make the adjustment. Once mother became hospitalized on November 2, Arlene was at the hospital almost every day for hours at a time to try and provide comfort to her. In the 30 or so days that followed the hospitalization, Arlene maybe missed 3 or 4 days, and only when I was able to spend time with mother on the weekends. Our mother loved Arlene dearly and rightfully so. Arlene was with mother when she took her last breath and made sure that the last thing that mother heard was that we loved her. Arlene is the one who deserves the thanks. You can thank me for marrying Arlene.
Love,
Jeff
Brian,
Mother had a very difficult last month and it is a blessing at this time that her suffering is now over. Over her last four days she was given morphine to reduce her discomfort and at the time of her passing she did not show any signs of pain. For that I am greatful.
Concerning her wishes, mother never wanted any fuss to be made. She was always frugal in her conduct and never wanted to be a bother or burden to her family.
She explicitly stated that she did not want a religious ceremony. The only time that I was able to get any specific wish related to the handling of her remains was on a visit I made years ago when Arlene and I were still in Chicago. I took her to a restuarant in Santa Barbara, on top of a hill overlooking the bay on a typically beautiful California day. She told me that she would like to have her ashes spread in the Pacific Ocean off the Santa Barbara pier. Our mother loved California and Santa Barbara was a beautiful and majestic place that symbolized that special quality that California represented to her. Years later she said that it really did not matter that much to her what happened to her remains. However, I believe that it did matter to her and my intention is to do exactly what she had requested. It is my way of honoring her and to express my unconditional love for her.
I do not yet have a specific time frame to carry out her wish and I do not feel rushed to make a quick decision in this regard. These details can be worked out over time and anyone that wishes to participate can let me know and I will try to make accommodations. I intend on writing a eulogy for mother which I can read before the spreading of the ashes. Anyone that wishes to write some sentiments they want expressed at that time can either participate directly or I will be happy to read those sentiments on their behalf.
We all owe a great deal of gratitude to Arlene. The care and kindness that she showed mother over the 35 years she has known her has been remarkable. But even that pales in comparison to her recent devotion. Arlene worked extremely hard to help relocate mother to be close to us in Atlanta as her health made it impossible for her to continue to live independently. Once in Atlanta, Arlene spent countless hours four and five days a week to help mother make the adjustment. Once mother became hospitalized on November 2, Arlene was at the hospital almost every day for hours at a time to try and provide comfort to her. In the 30 or so days that followed the hospitalization, Arlene maybe missed 3 or 4 days, and only when I was able to spend time with mother on the weekends. Our mother loved Arlene dearly and rightfully so. Arlene was with mother when she took her last breath and made sure that the last thing that mother heard was that we loved her. Arlene is the one who deserves the thanks. You can thank me for marrying Arlene.
Love,
Jeff
Siblings,
Tomorrow morning Arlene and I fly to LA to meet up with Joel and Corey. On Sunday (07/01/2001) we will have a brief ceremony on a charter boat and spread mother's ashes in the Pacific ocean. I put together a eulogy and we will be reciting a few poems. I will carry your love for mother on the boat with me. (along with some dramamine tablets, because both Corey and I are notorious for needing them) I've attached the eulogy and poems that we will be using. If you are thinking about it around 12:30pm on Sunday PST, you can join in as well.
Love,
Jeff
Betty Baumberger Ford
Born: April 2, 1920
Died: December 3, 2000
Today, July 1st 2001, we have returned to California to commemorate the life of Betty Baumberger Ford, and to spread her ashes off the coast of Santa Barbara. It is always difficult to summarize a life, we each carry different memories and experiences. Today I wish to honor my mother as I remember her. My beloved wife, Arlene, and our two wonderful sons, Joel and Corey, are with me to pay tribute to her and to fulfill my commitment to return her spirit and remains to the place she loved the best.
My mother loved California, the golden sunshine, the cool ocean breezes, a quality of life that begged for independence and freedom. We had lived in California earlier in the late 1950's when I was growing up. It was one of the happier periods in my mother's life with our family still intact. By the early 1960's we had moved away. But in 1984, when she lived near my own young family in Atlanta, I told her I was being transferred to California and that I would move her as well so she could continue to live close to us. It was a joyous day for my mother. ...and now, and forever, she returns again to California.
Born in St. Louis, raised in San Antonio, abandoned by her father, Charlie, before she was 5 years old, and despite being struck by lightning when she was 6, my mother had a happy childhood. She learned to play the piano and was musically talented. She and her younger sister, Sweety, sang and danced together as children, performing at functions all over town.
In high school the two sisters enjoyed the popularity that you might expect two attractive, talented young women might have. It was a happy time, before responsibilities got too heavy, when you could enjoy the vitality and physical joy of youth, when all the parts still worked, when movement was fluid and effortless, when you could almost fly like a bird.
She fell in love with my father right after high school, became a military wife, and during the war years, while my father was serving and defending our country, she began the work of raising the family. Being a military wife meant moving every couple of years, leaving close friends and beginning anew. It meant being separated for long periods of time from the husband you loved. It meant most of the burden of child rearing came to rest on her shoulders. Certainly not an easy time. But my mother was fiercely loyal to her children and protected and nurtured us in the best way that she could.
Unfortunately, she developed a drinking problem during this period that became a major disruptive force within our family. The day before she died, she told me she wished that she could have controlled it, and she tried to express her regret for the pain that she knew she had caused. I told her I understood, that I forgave her, and that I loved her.
I came along on her 30th birthday and we shared a special relationship because of this bond. We were more alike then not. I got my determination to succeed and competitive nature from my mother, I got my high aspirations from my mother, and I also got my temper from my mother. We inherit both the good and the bad. We are linked with our past, and I understood my mother because I am a reflection of her.
She loved sports and encouraged me to excel. She demanded the best from me and supported me with an outward enthusiasm that, at times, was embarrassing to me, as her shouting voice rose above the crowd cheering me on in my athletic endeavors.
Once I left home, being the youngest, my father divorced my mother after years of periodic separations and a new phase of our relationship began. As I started my own family, my mother became a grandmother to my boys when we moved her to Atlanta to be close to us. She was a terrific grandmother and took care of the boys as our permanent baby sitter. She loved our boys and demonstrated a side of her parenting that, although I benefited from it myself as a child, I could not recognize until I had a different vantage point.
Joel and Corey were a source of great pride for my mother. She enjoyed helping to raise them and marveled at the fine young men they became. I am grateful that she got to see both of them one last time over Thanksgiving, one week before she died. It was further proof of her life's contributions. I wish her other grandchildren could have known her on that same level.
When she moved to Atlanta 24 years ago, she also started on the road to conquer her drinking problem and finally succeeded. Her drinking problem masked many of her wonderful traits and blinded those around her to the positive qualities she possessed. When her mother, Muddy, passed away, Hobart, her step-father, established a trust fund for my mother. Because of my mother's drinking problem, Hobart did not trust her to handle money matters. He locked up the trust fund monies so tightly that she never really benefited much from the inheritance. Yet, for the last 30 years of her life, she managed her own finances in such a way that she was able to live on a bare subsistence income. She learned to do without. Her only luxury was a TV.
Besides her declining health, my mother's single most challenging assignment was how to make the money last. She did a remarkable job. Hobart would have been amazed at the job that she did. Before she died, I told her how proud I was of her accomplishment. I think this gave her some relief in her final days of pain as she reflected back on her life. She knew she had done well with her money situation and that she had not become a burden to her children.
When I moved my family from California to Chicago in 1989, I again offered to move her with us. She decided that she would remain in California instead since the climate in Chicago would be too harsh for her arthritis. Plus, she loved California and really never wanted to leave.
She spent 11 years in California, living alone, with no family nearby to care for her. It was her choice. It was her way of saying that she could take care of herself, that she was going to remain independent as long as she could. Her arthritis condition degenerated dramatically over that 11 year period and caused her great pain and discomfort. Her hands became virtually useless and her ability to walk severely limited. She could no longer cook for herself or go to the store on a regular basis. She had to subscribe to a meal service which delivered her almost the exact same meal every day for years. She could not afford a better service. But she did not complain or ask for help. She gritted her teeth, the few she had left, and made the best of her situation.
Always independent and filled with courage and defiance, my mother did not choose to be alone without a companion in her later life, but she adapted to it. Her greatest fear was in becoming a burden to her children. In her last ten years, she complained much too infrequently when she really needed help with her physical ailments.
Arlene and I visited her in early 2000 and I was shocked at her deterioration. We made the decision to move her to Atlanta to be closer to us so that she could receive better care. Although I knew she never wanted to leave California, and that she never wanted to become a burden to us, she also was desperate for assistance and consented to the move. The move itself was difficult. Arlene was magnificent in making this transition as painless as possible. My mother loved and respected Arlene for her kindness and kept claiming that Arlene was "the smartest woman I have ever met." Of course, I kept reminding my mother that being married to the smartest woman has got to qualify me for being the smartest man.
We tried hard to improve her condition and make her as comfortable as possible. We had made good progress and I was hopeful we would have a few more years together and we could bring her some happiness. Arlene saw her almost daily and I spent time with her on the weekends. She jealously watched her tennis, one of her last passions, and disciplined herself everyday to make it through yet another crossword puzzle to keep her mind alert. She registered to vote, determined to once again support the Democratic party and made sure she got her ballot mailed in time.
Then she developed an infection that her body could not fight off and we had to put her into the hospital. Five painful weeks later, she was gone. She was courageous during the whole period, but eventually desperate to stop the suffering.
She lived her life with dignity and courage. She handled her daily pain with true grit and determination. I admire her and respect her for that. And for being my mother, well for that, I love her unconditionally.
She is now free at last, free from the arthritic pain, free from the crippling movement of deformed joints, free from the worry of financial constraints. At the end of her journey with us she knew she was loved, she knew she was forgiven, and she did not die alone.
Today, we release her spirit back to her golden California, where she can bask in the sun and feel that cool ocean breeze, where she can sing and dance once again,
...where she can fly like a bird.
Born: April 2, 1920
Died: December 3, 2000
Today, July 1st 2001, we have returned to California to commemorate the life of Betty Baumberger Ford, and to spread her ashes off the coast of Santa Barbara. It is always difficult to summarize a life, we each carry different memories and experiences. Today I wish to honor my mother as I remember her. My beloved wife, Arlene, and our two wonderful sons, Joel and Corey, are with me to pay tribute to her and to fulfill my commitment to return her spirit and remains to the place she loved the best.
My mother loved California, the golden sunshine, the cool ocean breezes, a quality of life that begged for independence and freedom. We had lived in California earlier in the late 1950's when I was growing up. It was one of the happier periods in my mother's life with our family still intact. By the early 1960's we had moved away. But in 1984, when she lived near my own young family in Atlanta, I told her I was being transferred to California and that I would move her as well so she could continue to live close to us. It was a joyous day for my mother. ...and now, and forever, she returns again to California.
Born in St. Louis, raised in San Antonio, abandoned by her father, Charlie, before she was 5 years old, and despite being struck by lightning when she was 6, my mother had a happy childhood. She learned to play the piano and was musically talented. She and her younger sister, Sweety, sang and danced together as children, performing at functions all over town.
In high school the two sisters enjoyed the popularity that you might expect two attractive, talented young women might have. It was a happy time, before responsibilities got too heavy, when you could enjoy the vitality and physical joy of youth, when all the parts still worked, when movement was fluid and effortless, when you could almost fly like a bird.
She fell in love with my father right after high school, became a military wife, and during the war years, while my father was serving and defending our country, she began the work of raising the family. Being a military wife meant moving every couple of years, leaving close friends and beginning anew. It meant being separated for long periods of time from the husband you loved. It meant most of the burden of child rearing came to rest on her shoulders. Certainly not an easy time. But my mother was fiercely loyal to her children and protected and nurtured us in the best way that she could.
Unfortunately, she developed a drinking problem during this period that became a major disruptive force within our family. The day before she died, she told me she wished that she could have controlled it, and she tried to express her regret for the pain that she knew she had caused. I told her I understood, that I forgave her, and that I loved her.
I came along on her 30th birthday and we shared a special relationship because of this bond. We were more alike then not. I got my determination to succeed and competitive nature from my mother, I got my high aspirations from my mother, and I also got my temper from my mother. We inherit both the good and the bad. We are linked with our past, and I understood my mother because I am a reflection of her.
She loved sports and encouraged me to excel. She demanded the best from me and supported me with an outward enthusiasm that, at times, was embarrassing to me, as her shouting voice rose above the crowd cheering me on in my athletic endeavors.
Once I left home, being the youngest, my father divorced my mother after years of periodic separations and a new phase of our relationship began. As I started my own family, my mother became a grandmother to my boys when we moved her to Atlanta to be close to us. She was a terrific grandmother and took care of the boys as our permanent baby sitter. She loved our boys and demonstrated a side of her parenting that, although I benefited from it myself as a child, I could not recognize until I had a different vantage point.
Joel and Corey were a source of great pride for my mother. She enjoyed helping to raise them and marveled at the fine young men they became. I am grateful that she got to see both of them one last time over Thanksgiving, one week before she died. It was further proof of her life's contributions. I wish her other grandchildren could have known her on that same level.
When she moved to Atlanta 24 years ago, she also started on the road to conquer her drinking problem and finally succeeded. Her drinking problem masked many of her wonderful traits and blinded those around her to the positive qualities she possessed. When her mother, Muddy, passed away, Hobart, her step-father, established a trust fund for my mother. Because of my mother's drinking problem, Hobart did not trust her to handle money matters. He locked up the trust fund monies so tightly that she never really benefited much from the inheritance. Yet, for the last 30 years of her life, she managed her own finances in such a way that she was able to live on a bare subsistence income. She learned to do without. Her only luxury was a TV.
Besides her declining health, my mother's single most challenging assignment was how to make the money last. She did a remarkable job. Hobart would have been amazed at the job that she did. Before she died, I told her how proud I was of her accomplishment. I think this gave her some relief in her final days of pain as she reflected back on her life. She knew she had done well with her money situation and that she had not become a burden to her children.
When I moved my family from California to Chicago in 1989, I again offered to move her with us. She decided that she would remain in California instead since the climate in Chicago would be too harsh for her arthritis. Plus, she loved California and really never wanted to leave.
She spent 11 years in California, living alone, with no family nearby to care for her. It was her choice. It was her way of saying that she could take care of herself, that she was going to remain independent as long as she could. Her arthritis condition degenerated dramatically over that 11 year period and caused her great pain and discomfort. Her hands became virtually useless and her ability to walk severely limited. She could no longer cook for herself or go to the store on a regular basis. She had to subscribe to a meal service which delivered her almost the exact same meal every day for years. She could not afford a better service. But she did not complain or ask for help. She gritted her teeth, the few she had left, and made the best of her situation.
Always independent and filled with courage and defiance, my mother did not choose to be alone without a companion in her later life, but she adapted to it. Her greatest fear was in becoming a burden to her children. In her last ten years, she complained much too infrequently when she really needed help with her physical ailments.
Arlene and I visited her in early 2000 and I was shocked at her deterioration. We made the decision to move her to Atlanta to be closer to us so that she could receive better care. Although I knew she never wanted to leave California, and that she never wanted to become a burden to us, she also was desperate for assistance and consented to the move. The move itself was difficult. Arlene was magnificent in making this transition as painless as possible. My mother loved and respected Arlene for her kindness and kept claiming that Arlene was "the smartest woman I have ever met." Of course, I kept reminding my mother that being married to the smartest woman has got to qualify me for being the smartest man.
We tried hard to improve her condition and make her as comfortable as possible. We had made good progress and I was hopeful we would have a few more years together and we could bring her some happiness. Arlene saw her almost daily and I spent time with her on the weekends. She jealously watched her tennis, one of her last passions, and disciplined herself everyday to make it through yet another crossword puzzle to keep her mind alert. She registered to vote, determined to once again support the Democratic party and made sure she got her ballot mailed in time.
Then she developed an infection that her body could not fight off and we had to put her into the hospital. Five painful weeks later, she was gone. She was courageous during the whole period, but eventually desperate to stop the suffering.
She lived her life with dignity and courage. She handled her daily pain with true grit and determination. I admire her and respect her for that. And for being my mother, well for that, I love her unconditionally.
She is now free at last, free from the arthritic pain, free from the crippling movement of deformed joints, free from the worry of financial constraints. At the end of her journey with us she knew she was loved, she knew she was forgiven, and she did not die alone.
Today, we release her spirit back to her golden California, where she can bask in the sun and feel that cool ocean breeze, where she can sing and dance once again,
...where she can fly like a bird.
God Saw Her
God saw that she was getting tired,
And a cure was not to be.
So he put His arms around her
And whispered, "Come with me."
With tearful eyes we watched her suffer,
And saw her fade away.
She didn't deserve what she went through,
So we could not make her stay.
And when we saw her sleeping,
At peace and free from pain,
We could not wish her back
For her to suffer that again.
A golden heart stopped beating,
Her twisted hands at rest,
One last sigh she gave us all
She gave to us her best.
God saw that she was getting tired,
And a cure was not to be.
So he put His arms around her
And whispered, "Come with me."
With tearful eyes we watched her suffer,
And saw her fade away.
She didn't deserve what she went through,
So we could not make her stay.
And when we saw her sleeping,
At peace and free from pain,
We could not wish her back
For her to suffer that again.
A golden heart stopped beating,
Her twisted hands at rest,
One last sigh she gave us all
She gave to us her best.
On Death
Speak to us now of death.
And he said:
You would know the secret of death.
But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life?
If you would indeed behold the spirit of death,
Open your heart wide unto the body of life.
For life and death are one,
Even as the river and the sea are one.
For what is it to die but to stand naked in the world and to melt into the sun?
And what is it to cease breathing,
But to free the breath from its restless tides,
That it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?
Only when you drink from the river of silence,
Shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top,
Then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs,
Then shall you truly dance.
Kahil Gibran
Speak to us now of death.
And he said:
You would know the secret of death.
But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life?
If you would indeed behold the spirit of death,
Open your heart wide unto the body of life.
For life and death are one,
Even as the river and the sea are one.
For what is it to die but to stand naked in the world and to melt into the sun?
And what is it to cease breathing,
But to free the breath from its restless tides,
That it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?
Only when you drink from the river of silence,
Shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top,
Then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs,
Then shall you truly dance.
Kahil Gibran
Some Time At Eve
Some time at eve when the tide is low,
I shall slip my mooring and sail away,
With no response to the friendly hail
Of kindred craft in the busy bay.
In the silent hush of the twilight pale,
When the night stoops down to embrace the day,
And the voices call in the waters' flow--
Some time at eve when the tide is low
I shall slip my mooring and sail away.
A few who have watched me sail away
Will miss my craft from the busy bay;
Some friendly barks that were anchored near,
Some loving souls that my heart held dear,
In silent sorrow will drop a tear--
But I shall have peacefully furled my sail
In moorings sheltered from storm or gale,
And greeted the friends who have sailed before
O'er the Unknown Sea to the Unseen Shore.
Elizabeth Clarke Hardy
Some time at eve when the tide is low,
I shall slip my mooring and sail away,
With no response to the friendly hail
Of kindred craft in the busy bay.
In the silent hush of the twilight pale,
When the night stoops down to embrace the day,
And the voices call in the waters' flow--
Some time at eve when the tide is low
I shall slip my mooring and sail away.
A few who have watched me sail away
Will miss my craft from the busy bay;
Some friendly barks that were anchored near,
Some loving souls that my heart held dear,
In silent sorrow will drop a tear--
But I shall have peacefully furled my sail
In moorings sheltered from storm or gale,
And greeted the friends who have sailed before
O'er the Unknown Sea to the Unseen Shore.
Elizabeth Clarke Hardy
Windward Passage
Beating against mediocrity,
always pointing high.
Sunshine warmth atop golden swells
Loving Breezes passing through
Flowing winds soaring fluid Wings
Flying Floating Dancing Free
Singing sweetly eternally,
memories anchored leeward key.
(in memory of Betty Baumberger Ford
written by her son Jeff)
Beating against mediocrity,
always pointing high.
Sunshine warmth atop golden swells
Loving Breezes passing through
Flowing winds soaring fluid Wings
Flying Floating Dancing Free
Singing sweetly eternally,
memories anchored leeward key.
(in memory of Betty Baumberger Ford
written by her son Jeff)
Page first published by Erin Howarth at geocities.com 21 Oct 2001
Re-published by Erin Howarth @ blogger.com 24 July 2009
Re-published by Erin Howarth @ blogger.com 24 July 2009
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