George Herbert Walker Bush
June
12, 1924 – November 30, 2018
President
of the United States 1989-1993
Vice
President of the United States 1981-1989
Director
of Central Intelligence 1976-1977
Chief
of the U.S. Liaison Office
to the
People’s Republic of China 1974-1975
Ambassador
to the United Nations 1971-1973
United
States House of Representatives 1967-1971
Yale
University, B.A. 1948
United
States Navy 1942-1945
Follower
of Jesus
Husband
to Barbara for 73+ years
Father
of George, Jeb, Robin, Neil, Dorothy, Marvin
Grandfather
Great-grandfather
This week, people from
around the world have spoken and written endearing tributes of remembrance,
respect, and admiration about President George H. W. Bush, a man who lived his
life well through his love, selflessness, compassion, humility, words, actions,
integrity, humor, and service. There
have been and will continue to be volumes written of the contributions George
H. W. Bush made to make America a kinder and gentler nation. President Bush will also be remembered for
the ways he gave of his time and attention to others. It is amazing to see the number of people who
have posted letters/notes/cards written to them by President Bush or had a
picture made with him. Our son, Brad,
was a recipient as well.
Former
President Bush with TAMU
Corps
of Cadets Outstanding Recruiting Units
March
22, 2004
While Brad was a student
at Texas A&M University, he met us and toured us through the George H. W.
Bush Library. The exhibits were well
documented with pictures, writings, and recordings on Bush noting family,
friends, service, business, and politics.
After seeing the displays of his achievements, triumphs, and successes, I
was intrigued by a quote that was written in large letters on a wall in
response to an interviewer’s question.
When asked what he considered to be his greatest accomplishment,
President Bush quickly replied, “That my children still come home.”
Some philosophies of
life shared at George H. W. Bush’s funeral:
“Those who travel the
high road of humility are not bothered by heavy traffic.”
“Hatred erodes the
container it’s carried in.”
“The goal is to die
young as late as possible.”
“Humor is a solvent against
the abrasive elements of life.”
Words continue to make
an impact and impression. A few notable
quotes from George H. W. Bush:
When speaking for the
first time as president, George Bush spoke of “leading with humility, moral
principles, and a spirit of unity.” He
also said that “Deep successes are made not of gold and silk but of better
hearts and finer souls.”
“America is never wholly
herself unless she is engaged in high moral principle. We as a people have such a purpose
today. It is to make kinder the face of
the nation and gentler the face of the world.”
“There is a God and He
is good, and his love, while free, has a self-imposed cost: We must be good to
one another.”
“I take as my guide the
hope of a saint:
in
crucial things, unity -
in important
things, diversity –
in all
things, generosity.”
“I have opinions of my
own – strong opinions – but I don’t always agree with them.”
“Think about every
problem, every challenge, we face. The
solution to each starts with education.”
“There is but one just
use of power, and it is to serve people.”
“Be strong, be kind, be
generous of spirit, be understanding and let people know how grateful you
are. Don’t get even. Comfort the ones I’ve hurt and let down. Say your prayers and ask for God’s
understanding and strength. Finish with a smile and some gusto and do what’s
right and finish strong.”
“A volunteer is a person
who can see what others cannot see; who can feel what most do not feel. Often, such gifted persons do not think of
themselves as volunteers, but as citizens – citizens in the fullest sense:
partners in civilization.”
“The American Dream
means giving it your all, trying your hardest, accomplishing something. And then I’d add to that, giving something
back. No definition of a successful life
can do anything but include serving others.”
“I do not mistrust the
future; I do not fear what is ahead. For
our problems are large, but our heart is larger.”
“No problem of human
making is too great to be overcome by human ingenuity, human energy, and the
untiring hope of the human spirit.”
“Be bold in your caring,
be bold in your dreaming and above all else, always do your best.”
Don’t confuse being
‘soft’ with seeing the other guy’s point of view.”
“We are not the sum of our possessions.”
“Choose character over
pedigree.”
“The old ideas are new
again because they’re not old, they are timeless: duty, sacrifice, commitment,
and a patriotism that finds its expression in taking part and pitching in.”
“I have climbed perhaps
the highest mountain in the world, but even that cannot hold a candle to being
Barbara’s husband.”
“You get to be 88, you
were president of the United States and now you’re known for your socks.”
“…My advice to young
people might be as follows:
(And good advice for us
older people, too.)
1. Don’t get down when
your life takes a bad turn. Out of
adversity comes challenge and often success.
2. Don’t blame others
for your setbacks.
3. When things go well,
always give credit to others.
4. Don’t talk all the
time. Listen to your friends and mentors and learn from them.
5. Don’t brag about
yourself. Let others point out your
virtues, your strong points.
6. Give someone else a
hand. When a friend is hurting, show
that friend you care.
7. Nobody likes an
overbearing big shot.
8. As you succeed, be
kind to people. Thank those who help you
along the way.
9. Don’t be afraid to
shed a tear when your heart is broken because a friend is hurting.
10. Say your prayers!!”
Last week, George Bush
#43 was called with the news that his father was in his last few moments of
life. Knowing he would not make it to
Houston in time, he asked that the phone be held up to his father’s ear so he
could talk to him. He was informed that
his father had not spoken or communicated much that day. After speaking words of gratitude and
appreciation, George told his father, “You were a great father and I love
you!” President #41 responded, “I love
you, too!” Those were his final words on
earth.
Much has been said and noted
during these days about President Bush #41 being the last of the “Greatest
Generation” presidents. Some have
implied that the actions and spirit of past years are now gone as well. Instead of extinguishing the fire of cooperation
and greatness, may what we have seen, heard, witnessed, and been encouraged and
challenged by during these days of remembrances be the spark that ignites the
flame for years and generations to come.
Precious
in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants.
Psalm 116:15
I
urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and
thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority,
that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
1 Timothy 2:1-2
