Betty Jones, Blogger, Neighbor

I love life, and strive to become the best person I can be.  I enjoy helping others, and find pleasure in creating and making things for other people.  I am passionate about my faith in God, and love going to church.  Photography, art, and music of all types are some of my favorite pastimes.  My somewhat lofty goal is to one day write a book, but find it difficult to discipline myself to sit down and do it.  Oh, by the way, I am a procrastinator too.

Except for a few short times here and there, Lake County has been my home for most of my fifty-six years here on planet Earth.  I am the youngest of four children, two brothers and one sister.  I was married for nine years, divorced for the past sixteen years, and lost my only child to suicide in 2008. Of all the things I have gained and lost in my life, I miss my son the most.  I often struggle with my grief and ask why things happened the way they did, but I am determined to make a life for myself, find joy in my aloneness, and to live my life to the fullest.  An old friend and mentor once told me that happiness is a choice.  It took some hard knocks over the course of my life to finally get that concept, but I now choose to be happy!  I Know God has a plan for me, even though I don't always understand His ways.  I have to rely on that hope…it is what gets me out of bed every morning, as slowly as that may be at times.

My son, Steven, was a loving and generous young man, who cared deeply for the needs of others, and he inspired me to be a better person, and try to make a difference in this world. Although I am unable to achieve his dreams and aspirations, I hope I would make him proud.  He was my pride and joy, the love of my life, and my best buddy.  All I hope to do in this life is by the grace of God, and in loving memory of my son.  So, here’s to life!