Been hearing this Springsteen paraphrase of Tom Joad in Grapes of Wrath since Bette’s passing. She was Present in Life.
Now Tom said, "Mom, wherever there's a cop beating a guy
Wherever a hungry newborn baby cries
Where there's a fight against the blood and hatred in the air
Wherever somebody's fighting for a place to stand
Or a decent job or a helping hand
Wherever somebody's struggling to be free
Look in their eyes, Ma, and you'll see me"
Look for me, Mom, I'll be there
Aug 25, 2023 ... Bette beloved.... I learned today from Michael Beer that last night your spirit left your body and you entered the infinite realm from which we all came and where we are all headed. As you have with so many souls during your lifetime, you touched mine deeply and I am so grateful that your joy will always nourish my life. You accompanied me overland to Honduras and offered me a home at Eden Valley when I did treatment for cancer and got healed, not to mention all the solidarity you provided to so many in Latin America and elsewhere in countless ways ... these among so many other loving gestures. Your spirit will continue to nourish so many of us for eons to come. Con mucho amor y cariño, Andrés
Oh, sad news and a loss not only to Bette's family and friends but to our world. Thank you, Bette, for who you were (and are) -- creative, caring, spiritually attuned, feisty, deeply committed to peace.
I am so so sorry to hear this. Bette is a bright light that will shine forever in my heart. I didn't know her well, but she always made me and my son Wes feel welcomed and valued. I will always remember her. I'm holding her, her family and all those who loved her in the light.
I'm so glad to have known Bette! She will be missed by many and loved by all!! Blessings to her family and close friend. In gratitude and love, Joan Clement