The Accidental Playwright

In an effort to help save a piece of American history in the town where I lived, I accidentally became a playwright / performer by creating “I Like Mamie.” I was surprised that people outside of that town were more interested in my work than the locals.

Still, I thought my one-woman play was a one-off.

Silly me.

I’ve been a professional writer long enough to know: one should never assume. Anything.

A year or two later, I was performing Mamie at a charming festival in Marshfield, Missouri called Cherry Blossom Days. Another festival presenter was Andrew Och, also known as The First Ladies Man. What started as a CNN series about American First Ladies, produced by Och, became his life-long passion. He speaks around the country and writes books about First Ladies.

During a Marshfield presentation, I heard Mr. Och state that “the most influential First Lady in history, past, present, or future,” was Betty Ford.

Of course, I had to investigate, to see if he was full of beans.

He is not. Betty Ford’s life is a story of emotional and spiritual growth. Her story is tightly woven into a turbulent American epoch, yet  transcends its specific time. Betty Ford is warm, has a sense of humor and — as an added charm for an actress who dabbled in dance — Betty Ford loved to dance.

I am grateful to Andrew Och for leading me to this story, and I am grateful to Betty Ford for living a story that is now part of my heart.