Oley Profile - Betty Gray

By Robin Lang

Each time I attend an Oley conference, I meet new people. In 2004, I met Betty Gray, a first-time conference-goer and fortunate travel scholarship recipient. Betty and I hit if off immediately. We felt we’d known each other for years, which is ironic because we met only minutes before she left the conference. We talked about living in different planting zones and gardening - HPEN never came up. In our brief conversation, I learned a lot from this spunky, 61 year-old lady. I commented on her ageless looks, she replied, “Usually I tell people I’m 10 year older than I am; that really gets them,” she said, “They look at me with amazement and say, ‘“Wow, you look terrific.”’  Without a doubt, this is a whimsical lady.

Betty is petite in stature, with a modest demeanor, but her excitement and enthusiasm for living life is anything but that. I was instantly impressed. Betty is fairly new to TPN, a consumer for a mere two  years, yet she possesses the survival skills of a long-term consumer. 

Her friend, Nancy O’Hara says, “Betty has faced her situation with courage, grace and inner strength. She makes it easy for others to forget her challenges. Betty nurtures the child within, never losing her common sense in a situation.”

In December 2001, Betty’s surgery left her with short bowel syndrome. Even though she lay critically ill for 3 months, she provided Nancy with moral support because she too, was experiencing a serious life change. Betty comforted and inspired Nancy while she battled her post-surgical trials. “I’m privileged to have her friendship,” says Nancy.

I’ve spoken with Betty since the conference; she’s so pleased she had the opportunity to attend. She learned a lot and she was delighted to meet other HPENers. She no longer feels isolated. Betty is wise, entertaining and very funny. I continue to laugh at her wistful comments long after I put down the phone.

I asked her what her secret is. Her reply, “There’s a whole lot of life out there, go out and live it.  Not surviving isn’t an option; we might as well make the best of what we have. You can’t quit! Count the things you have, and enjoy every minute God gives you.”

Betty credits her two daughters, Julie and Robin, son-in-law, John and grand daughter, Hannah, for the happy times in her life. Most recently, they spent a week together camping at ‘The Lake of the Woods’ in southern Oregon.   “Camping with TPN is doable; we all had a wonderful time, everyone should try it.” She said.

The tedious daily realities of living with short bowel syndrome and TPN do not deter Betty, her mission is to live life to the fullest. She has an applaudable attitude to be sure. All I can say is, “ Go, Betty, Go!”