Everyone has unique experiences in life. Each person has a story to tell and words of wisdom that can be shared with others. With that in mind, we’d like to introduce you to some of the wonderful people who live here at CHCC. Here is a recent resident spotlight Q&A session we did with Betty K.
Have you lived in other places beside Lynden?
I was born in Everson, Washington, and later moved to Lynden with my husband. We have lived here ever since, and Lynden has become my home. Over the years, I have enjoyed building a life and making memories here with my husband.
What was your first job?
My first job was babysitting for a family. I took care of the children, made sure they were safe and entertained and cooked meals for the family. That job taught me how to be responsible, patient and organized. After that, I became a secretary for a farmer, where I helped with office work, kept things organized and supported the daily operations of the farm.
What other types of work did you do before retiring?
Before I retired, I worked for Dick Bedlington Farms, where I worked with potatoes and helped keep the machines running properly. I was responsible for turning the machines on and off and making sure everything was working safely. I also made sure the conveyor belt was working properly so the potatoes could move through the process without problems. This job required me to pay close attention to the machines, follow instructions and make sure everything was running smoothly. I took pride in doing my job well and being a dependable worker.
What was your favorite thing about the work you did?
At Dick Bedlington Farms, I managed teenagers—making sure they were doing their work properly and helping them whenever they needed it. I had to keep everyone organized, explain what they needed to do and make sure the workplace ran smoothly.
What is one thing that you have been most proud of in your life?
One of my biggest accomplishments and proudest moments in life was raising all four of my kids. Watching them grow up, graduate and go on to live their own lives has been very special to me. I am proud of each one of them and everything they have accomplished. Being there for them through all the different stages of their lives has given me many wonderful memories that I will always cherish. Now that they are grown and living their own lives, I feel grateful for the family we have built together and everything we have been through as a family.
What is the hardest thing you have experienced?
The hardest part was teaching my kids to grow up and live their own lives. I remember if one of my kids got into trouble, I would tell them to go into the backyard and cut a piece of a limb from the tree. They would bring it to me, and I would say, “Now cut another one, but make it longer.” I would keep doing that until they understood what I was trying to teach them. I didn’t like spanking the kids, so I found other ways to discipline them and teach them right from wrong.
What was your favorite decade to live in, and why?
I liked the ’50s and ’60s.
Who is your favorite author or musician?
I can’t think of anyone specific, but I really like Western music.
What is one life lesson that you learned from your parents?
One life lesson I learned from my parents was how to take care of animals and be responsible for them. I learned how to care for rabbits and other animals by making sure they were fed, had clean water and had a clean, safe place to live. Our rabbits lived in cages, so we had to make sure their cages were kept clean and they had everything they needed. Taking care of animals taught me to be patient, responsible and caring.
What is one piece of advice that you would give a 16-year-old person?
One piece of advice I would give to a 16-year-old is to be careful about who you choose to date. I would encourage them to make sure they meet the person’s parents and talk to their own parents before getting into a serious relationship. Their parents can often see things they may not notice and can help them make safe and thoughtful decisions.
I knew someone who was 17 and wanted to date an older man, but she did not ask her parents for their approval or talk to them about it first. I would never want a young person to feel like they have to keep a relationship secret from their family.
What are some things that most people don’t know about you, but you wish they did?
When I was growing up, my mom worked, so my sister and I would come home after school and sometimes make dinner for the family. I enjoyed helping prepare meals and making something everyone could sit down and enjoy together. Cooking has always been something I like to do, and I still enjoy trying different recipes and making meals for the people I care about.
What do you like about living at CHCC?
I like doing the trivia that Scott leads in the morning with the group of gals. It gives me something fun to look forward to and a chance to visit with others.