The Joy Troupe has been brought to you by many, many inspirational people, but most directly by Betty Gray.
My grandmother, Betty Gray, celebrated her 90th birthday in February 2007. In June of 2007, her first great-grandchild was born. When the two of them met, it was clear that each fell in love with the other immediately. Few moments in my life have been happier. My grandmother's love and wisdom have been a source of constant inspiration to me, so I am pleased to dedicate this site and the Joy Troupe project in her honor.
Macular degeneration stole her eyesight but none of her spirit. She has had heart surgery and has lost her husband, a son, and a grandchild, yet I have never seen her feel sorry for herself. She is the original Joy Makin' Mama, with a laugh that is, without question, the loudest in the room. Just between us, I think she likes the naughty children best of all! Grandma, I salute you.
Her love of children knows no bounds, and her wisdom as a former teacher, a mother, a grandmother, and, at long last, Great Grandma, is worth applying to our modern world. Hooray for Grandmas and Great Grandmas, and, above all, hooray for Betty Gray!