Ep. 3 The Light She Left Behind

A Tribute to Betty A. Bridges

EPISODE 3 / 12.17.2024

What happens when you lose the person who’s been your guiding light? In this deeply personal episode, Todd and Bettijo open up about losing Todd’s mama, Betty A. Bridges, this summer. They explore how grief breaks you wide open and the messy, unpredictable journey of putting the pieces back together — where heartbreak and hope collide in ways you never saw coming.

Show Notes

Grief is personal, messy, and deeply human — but that doesn’t mean it’s all tears and tissues. In this moving episode, Todd and Bettijo reflect on the recent passing of Todd’s mother, Betty, and how her memory continues to shape their lives. They explore how grief can make you cry one moment and reflect deeply the next — sometimes in the most unexpected ways.

You’ll hear how Todd processed his mother’s decline, how Bettijo felt a spiritual connection leading up to her passing, and how their family found comfort in shared memories (and old TV shows). They also reflect on Betty’s resilient and cheerful spirit — even when life got tough — and how her legacy inspires them to embrace life with strength and grace.

Highlights

• Todd’s reflections on internalizing grief and learning to express emotions.
• Bettijo’s intuitive sense that Todd’s mother’s passing was near.
• The story behind how Todd’s mom, Betty, became a beloved part of their family — and a serious Matlock fan.
• How shared rituals, like watching old detective shows, brought comfort.
• Recognizing that everyone grieves in their own way — and why forcing someone to “move on” is unhelpful.
• Learning to “sit in the mud” with someone who is grieving — offering presence, not solutions.
• Finding strength through Betty’s example of resilience and cheerfulness.
• Embracing happiness by letting go of perfection and focusing on progress.

Key Takeaways

• Grief is unique and cannot be rushed or forced.
• Support means allowing space for different grieving styles.
• Faith, memories, and shared experiences can be powerful sources of comfort.
• Happiness comes from learning to accept life’s imperfections and finding joy in the present moment.

Todd and Bettijo don’t pretend to have all the answers. They’re just sharing what grief has shown them — the heartbreak, the messiness, and the small moments of light that keep you going. It’s not about fixing what’s broken; it’s about showing up, staying honest, and holding space for whatever comes next.