Betty Buckley

By Bob Arseneault

My Betty Buckley story is a series of events that began a long time ago and continues to this day. I came from a "dysfunctional" family as a lot of people do. I was a very sensitive youth and found myself drawn at an early age to family oriented shows such as "The Waltons" and later on "Little House On The Prairie." I know real life is seldom like that, but I found that watching these programs somehow allowed me to feel much needed emotions that I never experienced in my home. I was never touched in my home in a physical or emotional way, in a positive manner. Through my adopted television families, I shared their ups and downs, and I laughed and I cried with them... quietly and alone. This may sound sad, but for a deeply emotional child starving for affection and connection, it was a very beautiful thing. Crying can be very cleansing and releasing of pent up negative emotions, and I cried a lot, especially at happy endings.

In my teenage years I began to watch a program called "Eight Is Enough." I know it was just a TV show and it was as corny as the rest of them at times, but for me it was the quintessential family. Sometimes they didn't get along, but they all loved and if necessary would die for one another. I loved all the characters on the show, and thats when I first saw Betty Buckley. I was drawn to her beauty and acting ability and simply loved Abby Bradford. I instinctively knew that the most beautiful pieces of Abby Bradford belonged to Betty Buckley. It was well into the series when I saw an episode called "The Best Little Telethon In Sacramento." I remember at the first of the show when we realized the Bradford family was going to perform at the local high school auditorium for a benefit concert. When Betty Buckley began to sing, I was lifted up and carried away to a very mystical and magical place. She sang "So La" accompanied by Grant Goodeve on guitar. They did not need any more instruments, the two of them sounded like a symphony. I also recall a song called "Travellers On A Star" with just flute accompaniment. It was pure magic and after all these years, the magic remains and will live on.

I finally joined the computer generation and the first thing I did was look for her. I found her web site and sent an email much like this one, requesting an autograph. A few weeks went by and then a few months went by and I realized a reply was not forthcoming so it slipped away from my mind. Time went on as it does and at work one day I was really struggling emotionally as I sometimes do and came home feeling depressed, sick, and tired. I got my mail from the mailbox and discovered an unusual package from an unusual place. I didn't have a clue what was inside. Standing in my dooryard beneath a dull and cloudy sky with a dull and cloudy heart, I pulled out an autographed photo of Betty Buckley with a letter that read

Thank you very much for your lovely note on my web site. I have enclosed the autographed photo you requested. Thank you again for your kindness. Sincerely Betty Buckley.

She had sent it right away, but it got lost in the mail. I don't have to tell you how I felt, but I will. I hadn't smiled for at least a week, but I know I set a record for the widest and longest held smile I ever had. Betty Buckley, from so many miles away had saved me again. I have since acquired a few more autographed items from eBay and she continues to be close to my heart. I did not send this to win a prize. I sent it as a tribute to a very gracious, giving and loving human being. I'm sure there are many experiences from other people that are amazing. In the off chance that this one is chosen, donate the money to charity, I just wanted to share my story. I will end now with the words from the letter I sent to Betty...

I loved Abby Bradford and I will always love Betty Buckley. Loving you in Little Ridge, your fan always, Bob.

If you want to experience Betty Buckley get your Betty Buckley tickets here.