ANKENY, Iowa — An Iowa grandmother has developed quite the Facebook following after she began using the social media platform to share virtual bedtime stories for those people who might not otherwise have anyone to read to them.
“Story Time with Grandma Bette” exploded to more than 2,000 followers, or about five times its following one day ago, before local media shined the spotlight on the real-life grandmother’s literary flair.
“Some of the people who lost a mom or their grandma would come and give me a hug, and they cried and cheered up for them too. I said, ‘Well I can help you. I’ll be happy to be a Grandma Bette for you,’” Bette, 83, told KCCI.
“It is so amazing and unbelievable the amount of people that are following, supporting and enjoying my stories. I thought I was just on the news here in town... But I am learning that it is many more towns,” she wrote on her “Story Time” page.
According to KCCI, the broadcasts are possible because Bette’s real-life granddaughter, Haley, films each reading from start to finish on her phone and helps maintain the Facebook page.
“Do you ever wish you could hear to a story? Do you wish your Mom or Grandma was here to read to you? No matter how young or old I think that want is understandable! My Grandma is the best lady in my life! She isn’t just MY Grandma, she can be OUR Grandma!” Haley wrote on the “Story Time” page.
And the best part?
Grandma Bette takes requests, so get yours in and snuggle up.