I still can’t believe that the finale of 2021 included the death of the marvelous, multi-talented, beloved, and seemingly-invincible Betty White….
I will never forget all of the laughs that I had with my Nana over the Golden Girls reruns!!
It was my Nana’s all-time favorite show and how could it not be?!?! Each actress was brilliant in their role and the writing of the show was clever, witty, charming, and always hilarious!! And each episode included such meaningful topics, life lessons, and important advice, along with depicting the beautiful friendships and relationships between four amazing women.
I lived to see my Nana giggle over an episode of the Golden Girls and then talk about how she, herself, was “ready for Shady Pines!” If you know, you know!!! And if you have no idea what that means, then I highly suggest that you get on Hulu and watch some episodes of this show!! 😁
I swear, I will never NOT think of my Nana when anything Golden Girls is mentioned because both are tied so closely together in my memory and in my heart. ❤️
So, upon hearing about the loss of our dearest Betty White, (or our sweet and naive Rose from the Golden Girls), it brought up these feelings of nostalgia as I reminisced in my mind about the countless visits that I had with my Nana that included these four lovely ladies on TV. And this nostalgia mixed with such sadness that this world lost such a vibrant, loving, and radiant make-the-world-a-better-place being, just 17 days before her 100th birthday.
I think Ryan Reynolds said it best:
It’s so true! She really did defy expectation!!
And she followed her heart, led by example, and was always striving to serve the greater good. I have learned more about the Wonder Woman that is Betty White now than I had ever known before. With many thanks given to these memes that friends of mine shared, in honor of this magical woman. So, I shall share a few more of them so we can honor Betty White together!
I learned that she served during WWII:
And in addition to shining on stage, in shows, and as an actress, Betty White always supported and fought for the rights of animals and humans alike.
She was a definite animal lover, through and through! And being an animal activist and caring for hundreds of rescue animals over her lifetime was a source of constant joy and fulfillment for her.
And then there is this story about Betty White that I love so much:
And how awesome is her response to her own story?!?!?!?!? She really was a bad ass b*tch. 🤣 HER OWN WORDS!!!! How can you not love this woman?? 😁😍
EDIT: It has been brought to my attention that this “response” from Betty White is actually not an authentic one and it was created by a third party who was imagining how she would respond to this recognition. (Thank you to the fact checker so my post could be as accurate as possible!) I must say, Betty White always did have the quick-wit and the sass – – so I think the third party is spot on! 😃
So, there is one particular meme that inspired this very post and, once again, it brought up instant memories of my little Nana.
When my Nana would see me dance on stage as a little girl, she always called me a butterfly. She would say, “You look like a butterfly up there!,” beaming with pride and affection, and her words stayed with me as I worked for years as a professional dancer. And her words still stay with me now, even though I’m no longer “floating” across the stage. 😉 And because of my Nana, I have another level of respect and adoration for butterflies, especially because they all remind me of her. 🦋
THEREFORE, when I saw this meme, there was no other choice but to feel the inspiration of these words and write a blog post about Betty White and my Nana!
Betty White mentions butterflies and two distinct memories with my Nana collide!!!!
Not only that but Betty White talks about not underestimating the power and strength of butterflies (of women) even though they may look delicate with their beauty and their grace. And isn’t that the truth??? That makes me think of my no-nonsense Nana, my don’t-mess-with-me Mom, and all the other fabulous, strong, independent, fiercely -loving, and powerful women in my life. And I’m sure in your life, too!! 🤩 AS WELL AS BRING-IT-ON BETTY WHITE because her own words absolutely include herself, too. 😍
With gratitude and honor of Betty White and her legendary existence AND how she, and that last meme about butterflies, connects to many memories of my Nana, this post was born: Rose & Butterflies. 🌹🦋 (Rose Nylund, of course!! YES, from the Golden Girls!! 😃) The loss of Betty White is felt all around the world, from beings with and without fur, and she will be so missed.
And it is soothing and heartwarming to picture this reunion happening, as the Golden Girls are once again together:
I can even picture my adorable little Nana getting in on that group hug! 😍🤗
🎵Thank you for being a friend!!! 🎶 I appreciate you! See you next week. 😊🌹🦋🤩✨❤️💫