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Betsy Phillips is 104 and counting

It is almost incomprehensible that four years ago I was visiting Betsy Phillips for the very first time to interview her on the occasion of the preparations for her 100th birthday, May 13, 2017. When Betsy and I spoke on the phone to set up an appointment for yet another interview to acknowledge her 104th year, she and I confirmed with one another that we had both received our second COVID-19 vaccinations.

The day arrived and Betsy greeted me warmly into her home; the difference was, I felt like I was being welcomed as an old friend.

As I entered Betsy's home, a beautiful piece of music was playing which I identified as Mozart's Clarinet Concerto in A, K622-2 Adagio. This particular selection of music was featured in the movie "Out of Africa," one of my favorite pieces. I said to Betsy, "how delightful!" She replied, "That music is playing from my "Alexa" and besides music, I also ask Alexa for the weather report." An amazing woman!

Betsy looked so relaxed and poised, while displaying her sweet infectious smile. Wearing a pair of fashionable jeans and lovely top, she escorted me into her dining room where we seated ourselves and began conversing truly like old friends.

I asked Betsy how she was doing, and she delicately laughed and said, "well to tell you the truth, I felt marooned this past year!" Quite amazing though how life has a tendency to unfold in miraculous ways, she added, "Just before the COVID shutdown, I was advised that a young man, whilst studying in his profession, was looking for accommodations. I felt safe and confident offering my delightful living space located in the downstairs area of the basement for him to rent which also has its own private entrance." Betsy continued, "little did I know how this young man would kindly be assisting me from time to time to do little errands during this COVID Era, which also included grocery shopping."

Betsy, a very independent woman, drives weekly to attend church, does her own shopping, cooking, visits friends and manages her own home beautifully. But of course, COVID-19 has "temporarily" changed her lifestyle. Her son and daughter who love her dearly, and live some distance away, respect her independence.

However, they did make a plan with their mother during the COVID-19 restrictions and would order a meal for her at a different restaurant in Fallbrook each Friday night. Betsy would receive their call to advise which Fallbrook restaurant they had chosen for that particular Friday night. She would then drive to that particular restaurant and collect her ordered dinner, and drive home to then enjoy the evening.

Having had an opportunity to speak with both of her children, I shared with them that they are so privileged to have such a compassionate and intelligent mother. Sitting in her presence, one wants to be very alert, as she is up to date on world affairs and can smoothly move from one subject to another with great aplomb.

Betsy has always loved studying. She graduated at the age of 19 from the University of Arkansas. In my article which I wrote for her 100th birthday, I included much about her life growing up, hugely interesting to say the least, and at the end of this article there will be a link for readers to further share in her story.

Betsy taught school for five years before her marriage to John Phillips. Thereafter, she did secretarial work on the various bases during the time John was enlisted in the U.S. Army, with assignments in the States and also in Frankfurt, Germany where their first child John Jr. (now deceased) was born.

Betsy's daughter, Carolyn Phillips shared, "my Mother is a force of nature. She is intelligent, independent and above all kind. She taught me the joy and importance of nurturing relationships with family and friends. How blessed we are for this wonderfully delightful woman, my beloved Mom." Carolyn said of her brother Dennis, "so glad Dennis is sharing, he has such a wonderful sense of humor."

And yes indeed, Dennis Phillips did share some very insightful comments, as he said, "She was an attentive mom. She let us find our own trouble and figure out how to deal with it.

"She let me tear around the neighborhood on a two wheeler when I was three and when I came home with bruised elbows and skinned knees she was ready with Mercurochrome and a bag of ice.

"When we were older she gave us every opportunity to better ourselves without pushing her own ambitions on us. I've always been grateful for that."

What wonderful accolades to come from one's children.

I asked Betsy what advice she would like to share with our readers. She said, "Always give people a second chance. There are many dangers and many joys in the path of life. We each have our own path. With God you take your joys and sorrows."

I then asked, what was the most special moment in her life? and she replied without a hesitation, displaying a beautiful smile and a twinkle in her eye, "That was when I first met my husband-to-be, John Phillips. Our life together was a love story."

A very special thank you to Betsy Phillips for allowing me the time to spend with her and for sharing her story. This publication, May 13, 2021 coincides with her blessed 104 year birthday.

Happy Birthday Betsy!

To read my fist interview with Betsy, visit www.villagenews.com and search for "Betsy Phillips takes 100 years in stride."

 

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