Betty was constantly ill and everyone thought it was all in her head until they made a horrific discovery that became a lesson to everyone.
When Betty Hacker’s husband Tom passed away, it seemed that her heart deserted her, along with her health. Betty, who had been a pretty, energetic woman of 54 who looked ten years younger, simply collapsed.
The Betty who emerged from the house she and Tom had been restoring so lovingly after their children left was a ghost. She had lost weight, she moved like an old woman, and she coughed constantly. At first, everyone was sympathetic, but then their patience wore thin.
No one listened to Betty’s constant complaints anymore | Source: Shutterstock.com
Becky’s daughter, Kate, sick of her mother’s complaints, had taken to the doctor and he’d done a whole barrage of tests — but blood, urine, even a CAT scan showed nothing.
The doctor told Betty she was in great health and suggested she see a psychiatrist for her depression. She did see a psychiatrist, and he put her on antidepressants, but nothing seemed to live the terrible lassitude that had overcome her.
It started from the moment she woke up, a strange force seemed to sap her strength, a dullness that dimmed her thoughts and her mind. The bright and can-do Betty that Tom had known had gone.
She’d drag herself out of bed, force herself to dress, and go downstairs for her breakfast and her medication, then she’d drag herself to her armchair, turn on the TV and sit there until it was time for lunch.
Betty was devastated when her husband Tom passed away | Source: Unsplash
Betty refused to leave the house, she just didn’t have the energy for it. Even Kate couldn’t get her out of the house for an outing. Betty missed her daughter’s and grandchildren’s birthdays.
One year, when Kate’s husband insisted that they spend Christmas with his family for once, Betty stayed home alone even though she was invited. And the worse part of it all was that she didn’t seem to care at all.
When Kate and the children were there, Betty sat in her armchair and just stared unless someone addressed her directly. She didn’t seem to take any pleasure in their company. Nothing gave her pleasure.
Ten years after the death of her husband, Betty was a shadow of her former self. She walked with a shuffle like a ninety-year-old woman,...
