I've met many able bodied individuals whose philosophy of life is patterned on the old Maxwell House slogan, "Resolve to make each day good to the last drop." Since moving to the Westward Ho in April 1999 I've become acquainted with a small handful of residents who exemplify this capacity.

Betty, with that impish look, ready for a joke or a snappy retort.

Betty Cowart, my neighbor and friend from the 5th floor, is one such person. Betty's joy in living appears to come from being conscious of and living fully in the present moment. Relishing small pleasures such as a good cupa Java or savoring the creamy richness of Schwan's ice cream. In spite of enduring enormous physical obstacles, Betty makes every effort to learn something new every day. She quickly taught herself how to play a mean hand of mah-jongg on her computer.

Betty's daughter, Patty, who teaches at risk children with special needs, introduced her mom to a new method of learning called the "brain train." Betty eagerly embraced the concept and consequently improved her powers of concentration. I have asked a couple more of Betty's neightbors and friends to share their insights on Betty's upbeat approach to life.

Terri Demuro's thoughts regarding her friend sum it up well. "Betty guides me with her attitude, smiles and especially her dignity. She inspires me with her sense of humor, charitable giving, and her acceptance of 'life is what you make it.'"

Diane Edelen thinks that Betty is remarkable. "She has raised five children. She met her third husband, Howard, in Phoenix. He used to be a cook on a hot food truck. One afternoon they met me at a stop where I was catering and told me the other driver needed me to be in court for Howard. Much to my surprise, the court we were attending was the marriage license room! There were flowers, and the Justice of the Peace was all set to marry them. I was their witness. And what a wonderful couple they were. They managed a large apartment complex in Chandler until she became ill."

Linda Welty says she moved to the Westward Ho after her husband died. On a trip downstairs to turn her tile, she "met a lady with a smile that would light up a football field on a pitch dark night." This lady was Betty. They became good friends, finding they had many things in common. Linda says that Betty encouraged her to go on with the video library room project whenever she became discouraged. Linda says, "If you don't know her, she is the woman in the wheelchair with an oxygen tank connected to it and the brightest smile you ever want to see."

We all love you, Betty, and thank you for inspiring us and helping us to challenge and conquer our limitations.