Barbara Bush

In October 2000, my wife and I were invited to attend a benefit for the international relief organization AmeriCares. Long the largest private relief agency in the world, AmeriCares had just passed a major milestone: the delivery of two billion dollars in life-saving medicines and medical supplies to 110 countries around the globe.

We were seated at the head table along with the guests of honor, George and Barbara Bush.  Through no merit of my own, I was given the honor of sitting next to the former First Lady.

Inevitably and almost immediately the conversation turned to politics.  Her son, Jeb, was running for Governor of Florida.  Her son, George, had just announced that he would run for Governor of Texas.

Jeb had long made his political aspirations known. George’s announcement came as something of a surprise.  I made the mistake of commenting on this, saying it appeared to me that Jeb was a better and more natural politician.

The lioness quickly emerged and I got a glimpse of the strength and fierce devotion that characterized so much of her life.  She gave me a steely look and said, “I wouldn’t underestimate George if I were you.”

Seeking solid ground, I changed the subject.  We started talking about our mutual friends, the Macauleys, and what they have done with AmeriCares.

After a few minutes, Mrs. Bush fixed her steely eyes on me again.  She said, “You know, someone really should tell Bob’s story.”

I knew it wasn’t an idle comment.  She was telling me what she thought I should do.   A year later I sent her the final draft of His Name is Today, seeking her approval.  She graciously agreed to write a forward.

Through the years that followed, we kept in touch. I sent her notes telling her what we had done or hoped to do with The Heart of America Foundation.  She was always quick to respond with kind and encouraging words.

In the coming days, I suspect you will hear similar stories from many others.  There was no reason she should take an interest in me or try to help me.  That was just her nature. That’s who she was.  I feel privileged to have known her.