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Requiem for a First Lady
Jeff Dorris
Barbara Bush passed away Tuesday at the age of 92.
All accounts state that she died peacefully with her husband, former President George H. W. Bush at her side, holding her hand.
As the reports of her passing began to appear on various news feeds across my computer and phone I thought how perfect it was for those two to be together, still holding hands after 73 years of marriage.
To me it seemed the former First Lady’s life was one big continuous love story.
Love for her husband, her country, and her children.
In my opinion, that was her defining role, motherhood.
Assuming the role of mother, not just for her children, but all youth.
She had a passion for reading and has stated that every child should be able to read and write so as to be able to pursue the American Dream.
She launched the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family in 1989, with the express purpose of providing access to educational opportunities for young children and their parents.
As a First Lady I always pictured Nancy Reagan dressed impeccably planning elaborate dinners for statesmen and foreign dignitaries.
I thought of Barbara Bush as a First Lady that would put on a pair of jeans and work in the garden, or plan family picnics, playing with her grandchildren, or sitting with the president watching an old movie on television with their dog Millie on her lap.
Don’t get me wrong, I believe Barbara Bush was a great First Lady and a leader as well.
In fact all mothers share the same qualities as great leaders.
They have a positive attitude, they’re creative.
They have the ability to inspire and they have patience.
Lots and lots of patience.
They are determined and they have great communication skills.
Mothers don’t even have to speak. They can convey a crystal clear message with just their eyes.
All children know that look.
Barbara Bush gave birth to six children, losing one daughter, Robin, to leukemia in 1953.
She said this at her commencement address at Wellesley College in 1990.
“At the end of your life you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with husband, a friend, a child or a parent.”
Barbara Bush was all about family.
It has been said that the former First Lady would hold photographers at bay while she straightened ties, shirts and suit jackets of those having their picture made with her.
Always a mother.
Thank you Barbara Bush for being a wonderful role model and displaying the qualities for being a good mother to an entire nation.
See you out there.