>> But before it has more than earned the status of one of the most influential first ladies in history, Gerald Ford proudly claims when the final tally is taken.

Her contributions to our country will be bigger than mine.

The way Betty Ford embraced her role as a mother and wife championed women's rights and remained open about her experiences with b***** cancer and chemical dependency allowed districted deeply humanizing chord with many vastly different people.

This position society to feel a closeness and bipartisan respect for her.

It was unlike anything before in addition to the outpouring of love that he received, 2 people wrote to her and proudly wore Penza said that is has been for president.

That is indelible impact was also recognized by being invited to formal speaking engagements and receiving various prestigious awards.

The American Cancer Society and the National Association of Practical Nurse, Education and Service, both formally awarded body for her courage and public advocacy for b***** cancer.

The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars awarded Betty for her public service as well.

And in 1991, George HW Bush bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Betty Ford in doing so.

He thanked her for providing selfless, strong and refreshing leadership on a number of issues.

But even Gerald Ford also received the Congressional Gold Medal for dedicated public service and outstanding humanitarian contributions.

During the tumultuous time in history.

Finally, Gerald Ford himself awarded body with the 2005 Gerald R Ford Medal for Distinguished Public Service, stating her total dedication to openness, frankness her real strong belief in equal rights for women for handling for b***** cancer.

Her forthrightness of dealing with her chemical dependency are the strong character evidence is of a lady, a tremendously admire that he returned her admiration and respect for her husband when receiving new word by stating if I've achieved anything to merit such recognition, it is in no small measure because of his unwavering support and encouragement.

Well, her spirit was all her own that he reflected on helping married to Gerald Ford is what allowed her voice to be heard and said marrying him was the biggest and best decision of her life.

>> As a daughter and having her as a mother was very special, she made my life very special.

She made my children's life very special.

>> When her daughter, Susan Ford Bales was asked about the advice she has to offer others as they navigate the complications and controversies of the world.

Today, her parents commitment to integrity in compromise, shown through her as she said.

>> Well, there's certainly no disadvantage is with working across the aisle.

Absolutely not.

I am very saddened by the state of our country today that people cannot Ridgecrest.

They all work together.

I have friends on both sides of the aisle.

We don't talk politics.

It's it's just not necessary.

The biggest difference that I see today is the poll.

The politicians aren't necessarily working for the best of the country because I I really feel that if you can reach across the aisle, you are working for the best of our country and they're putting their own personal opinions first.

But we all need to learn to listen.

My dad was an incredible listener.

My mom was an incredible listener.

And even as a kid when I got in trouble, which was frequent, they always listened to what I had to say and why I did it or why I didn't do it or why.

Why made that choice?

And it didn't necessarily change my getting in trouble or getting grounded or whatever it was.

But I felt like I was heard and I hope that I can continue to have that characteristic in me and the open and willing to listen to all sides of the story.

I think the biggest thing is continuing to talk about my parents who who who did have integrity and honesty and openness and that sort of thing.

I will never stop talking about them.

And I know my daughters will never stop talking about their grandparents.

>> The accessibility of Betty Ford and her humanizing legacy is beautifully embodied in the statue of her placed outside the entrance of the Gerald R Ford presidential museum.

With an outstretched hand visibly weathered by the number of visitors who felt compelled to grab hold of it.

It reminds us to be accepting whatever comes our way of life and to offer the world the most honest and open version of ourselves.