The following article includes mentions of addiction.
In a rapid turnover, Gerald and Betty Ford moved their family into the White House.
Suddenly, the Fords found themselves in the national spotlight as the first family.
From Caroline Kennedy to Barron Trump, thechildren of the president experience a lifestyle that is entirely unique.
The children of Gerald Ford are no exception.
But they really weren’t concerned with the expectations that came with it.
We were concerned about where our next date was coming from … we’re high school kids."
They were the quintessential American teenagers with a down-to-earth Midwestern sensibility.
The Fordchildren pushed the White House boundarieseven further when Susan had her senior prom at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
That 1975 prom is still the only event like it to ever be held on the property.
In July 1974, Michael married Brumbaugh.
One month later, his father, Gerald Ford, became the 38th President of the United States.
This was the first of many student life-related roles Michael would serve.
After his retirement in 2018, Michael remained involved in several organizations where he continued carrying out responsibilities.
For his commitment to Sanitarian Ministries, Michael was given the Good Samaritan Philanthropy Award in 2011.
Throughout his career, Jack explored many potential paths that demonstrated his passion for entrepreneurial pursuits.
Now, in his retirement, Jack can enjoy time with his wife and two children.
He was drawn to his father’s political career, and quickly became one of his most active campaigners.
In 1976, he toldRolling Stone, “I just wanted to participate.
I’ll never get a chance to do it again.
Besides, none of my brothers or my sister were really up for it … the public campaigning.
So that leaves me.”
In fact, Steven switched life trajectories and began to follow yet another passion: acting.
He was in 213 episodes of the beloved soap opera as the recurring character of Andy Richards.
Oh, and let us not forget he acted opposite Meg Ryan in “When Harry Met Sally.”
Yes, Gerald Ford’s son really played Sally’s ex-boyfriend, Joe.
During his public appearances, Steven also often talks about his father.
Along with his brother Michael Ford, Steven became a trustee of the foundation.
He was tasked with reading a eulogy that Carter had asked his father to write many years prior.
The two friends agreed in their younger years that they would both eulogize each other.
Gerald Ford, who was older than Carter, died in 2006 when he was 93.
The words were a touching reflection of the respect and friendship they treasured.
Although, they were realistic, too.
“But has there ever been a group of politicians that didn’t do that to one another?”
The address was moving and a fitting tribute to the former president.
However, the idea didn’t come from Susan herself.
Let’s ask Susan if it would be O.K.'"
The event went off without a hitch, with Susan wearing a coral jersey dress.
In the end, Susan and her friends had to choose two non-famous bands to provide the music.
Susan Ford Bales' interest in photography and journalism eventually evolved into a love of writing.
In addition to her work behind the scenes, Susan has been a prominent voice in the media.
Interestingly, Susan wasn’t the only Republican to jump ship, either.
This came with its own pressures.
Gerald Ford faced deep controversy when he pardoned Richard Nixon.
As he told the Gerald Ford Foundation, he’s come to regret that move.
Steven remembers the disorientation they all felt when the scandal erupted.
Apparently, they did not expect their father to become vice president, let alone president of the country.
And given the circumstances that led to their father’s presidency, they weren’t exactly jumping for joy.
Susan Ford Bales remembered her family’s personal connection to the Nixons.
During the Watergate scandal, she was thinking not of the political implications, but of them.
Christian Ford was born in 1997 and Jonathan Ford was born in 1999.
Susan Ford Bales had two daughters, Tyne Vance and Heather Vance.
Susan married Charles Vance in 1979, but they divorced in 1988.
She then married Vaden Bales in 1989 and moved to Texas.
Steven Ford is the only one of the Ford kids to not have children.
Gerald Ford died in 2006 and Betty Ford followed him in 2011 at the age of 93.
If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available.
Visit theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration websiteor contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
