Barbara Bush

As the whole world knows, former First Lady Barbara Bush died last week.  Apparently it was her choice to have no further medical treatment.  (Some sources have said that she had COPD and congestive heart failure.)  Regardless, the world mourns a grand lady who was a no-nonsense gal.

Barbara Bush was the wife of a president, and the mother of a president.  She made no pretense to want yet another of her sons to run for president in the 2016 election.  "We've had enough Bushes."
I confess that her husband, George Herbert Walker Bush, was the last Republican candidate that I voted for.  I have always considered myself an independent voter.  I liked the man, even though he had to renege on his "Read my lips: no new taxes" remark.  Even he joked about it after new taxes were applied.  He was an honest man...a good man.  If he were running for office today, I would still vote for him.  Unfortunately, no one of his caliber in the Republican Party comes anywhere close to whom I want to see in the White House.  Did NOT vote for his son, George W. Bush, although his negative influence seems tame against the damage Donald Trump has caused...and still causing.

I always thought Mrs. Bush just looked old compared to other First Ladies, but her charm was engaging.  Over the years, her blunt honesty became her persona.  A few days ago, one of her granddaughters who is a correspondent to The Today Show--Jenna Bush Hager--submitted a tribute to her "Ganny".  One of her memories had to do with visiting the White House as a child.  She was in the WH bowling alley with a sibling and had ordered PBJ sandwiches from the kitchen, without permission from Ganny.  As Jenna and sibling were chowing down on what they thought would be wonderful sandwiches a la the White House, grandma found out and scolded them, telling them they could never again order anything in the WH without permission.  "This is NOT a hotel!"  I really, really respect that!

I also note that Mrs. Bush's Secret Security guards didn't leave her side, even in death.  Even when told that they could  They had that much respect for the woman.  It makes me weep.

She and Former President Bush were married for 73 years.  Can you imagine?  I am only 71-years-old.  They were together in life longer than I've been alive.  Mr. Bush still lives, although in fragile health.  Pictures on the Internet show him to be attentive and in awe of his wife's funeral.

God bless the man and the family.  All politics aside, this was a woman of class and honesty and grace.  Anyone who chooses pearls as adornment can't be all bad.