Birth date: Feb 25, 1940 Death date: May 9, 2020
Saturday, July 4, 2026: The 250th anniversary of the U.S. Watched from the deck the fireworks from Grape Day Park, and the surrounding area. Betsy and I did this many times over the years. We hosted a 4th of July party here once many years ago. Betsy and Luis
Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026: In honor of those who serve, and not just in the military. Betsy, you and I served our community in other ways. This past Saturday, May 16, 2026, there were 86 persons who graduated from the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at CSU San Marcos, the same number as in May 2025. Betsy, you and I made this possible, as the founding couple of the CSUSM MSW program, though this may never be formally acknowledged. But we know what we did.
Betsy, you are the best social worker I have ever known. I love you, Luis.
Mother's Day, Sunday, May 10, 2026: Betsy, may you have a blessed Mother's Day, now and forever. Whether they fully know it or not, there are four children, now adults, who benefitted from your love and effort as their mother, for the known and the unknown. A mother's love is special and eternal. And the garden you in large measure created here at home is doing well. I feel your presence when I tend to it. Betsy, I love you, Luis.
Saturday, May 9, 2026: Six years ago today, on Saturday, May 9, 2020, at 12:22 p.m., Mary "Betsy" Elizabeth Terrazas nee Gardner passed away in our Escondido home. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio. Betsy was a graduate of John Marshall High School in Cleveland and The Ohio State University in Columbus. She earned her Master of Social Work degree at San Diego State University, as a then single mom while working full time for the County of San Diego. She was beautiful and intelligent, with a sense of grace, humility, and humor. She was a loving mom, making sacrifices along the way as mothers do. She helped many people. She was the most informed reader I have ever known. She was an avid gardener. I am honored to tend to her garden, which is doing well. She believed in angels; may she be among them. Betsy, I love you, Luis.
On Sunday, May 3, 2026, Elizabeth Hospice had its annual Wings of Hope Event at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido. Years ago, Betsy and I attended various Continuing Education classes for our state licensure renewal purposes at the same conference center where this event is held. Brings back nice memories each time. Mona, Girma, other relatives, and I attended. Afterward we all had dinner at the Brigantine in Escondido, where some of the restaurant proceeds from this day were donated to Elizabeth Hospice. Dining there also brought back good memories, as Betsy and her retired women social worker friends from the County met there for lunch on many Fridays for many years, and for the last few years I took Betsy there and joined them.
Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026: Easter is early this year. Wishing for a blessed Easter to all. In memory of Betsy. Happy Easter, from Betsy and Luis.
Today is Wednesday, February 25, 2026, your 86th birthday. Happy Birthday, Betsy. Your birthday balloon from your best friend, Alice, is still in place, as are your birch table and chairs. The recent rains have rejuvenated your garden. The jade plants are in full bloom. The cactus and other plants are doing well. The bougainvillea you planted by the upper gate is flourishing. The trees, including the tall pine tree and the pine tree we replanted many years ago, are trimmed and doing well. The front circle is cleared and doing well. Your garden mementos are where you left them. I tend to your garden. The exterior under the big front windows is now fully sealed; I painted it. Betsy, you are special and one of a kind; I love you, Luis.
Saturday, February 14, 2026: Happy Valentine's Day to all, from Betsy and Luis. Betsy, I love you, Luis
Monday, January 19, 2026: Martin Luther King Jr. Day. In memory of Dr. MLK Jr. and also in recognition of Cesar Chavez and Thurgood Marshall. Happy Birthday, MLK, Betsy and Luis
New Year's Day, Thursday, January 1, 2026: First day of the new year, 2026. The rain continued today. Betsy's garden is doing well. May there be blessings, hope, and peace for all. Betsy and Luis
