Grand Rapids, Michigan
On the back side of the Gerald Ford Presidential Museum are the graves of Gerald “Jerry” and Elizabeth “Betty” Ford. These two figures in American politics just happened to be comfortable in being themselves. Neither Jerry nor Betty Ford thought that they would be President and First Lady, but they carried on in the job at hand.
Their graves also reflect their no-nonsense selves and are relatively understated for the former “Leader of the Free World.” I was glad that they had a quiet place of reflection for anyone who came to the site.
I walked into the gravesite with Simon and mentioned that we should go and “pay our respects” to the former President and First Lady. Simon asked me if he was a good President, and I answered him honestly. He led with integrity and made tough decisions that likely cost him his job, but ultimately saved our nation. I reminded Simon that Betty Ford was one of the most impactful First Ladies in American history. With Mrs. Ford’s work on breast cancer awareness, substance abuse and addiction awareness, and the feminist movement, her legacy continues to impact people today positively.
I’m glad that we took the time to visit the Fords’ graves. Their graves state that they had “Lives Committed to God, Country, and Love,” and there is no doubt that this truth lives on in the legacy they left behind.
