Just Call Her "Bar"

Our former first lady Barbara Bush underwent open heart surgery Wednesday March 4 to replace an aortic valve.


A few years ago, I had the opportunity to meet the former first lady at a book signing for her book titled Barbara Bush Reflections; Life after the White House.



Mrs. Bush is a petite woman. She has such a larger than life presence on tv that I was surprised when I saw her in real life. In the photo, I was in flats and she was in heels.


At the book signing all you could do was stand next to her and have your photo taken; there was to be no time for a visit; just keep the line moving. I walked up to her, extended my hand and introduced myself and told her I was very honored to meet her...turn...smile...flash...exit.


As I was waiting to receive my autographed copy of her book I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was Mrs. Bush! She had stopped the receiving line, come over to me and said "Thank you, out of all the people here today, you are the only one who has introduced themselves and I appreciate it".


WOW, she came to me. It's a wonder the secret service didn't tackle me or something.


Whether or not you agree with Bush politics, I have to say in my opinion, Mrs. Bush is an extraordinarily ordinary person. After all, she did break her ankle sledding with her grand kids while she was the first lady. Her signature pearls are costume jewelry. At the Houston Astros game she and Former President Bush 41 sit behind home plate and when the "kissing cam" comes around she always plants a big one on George. She smiles really big and he kind of smirks.


Mrs. Bush has a good prognosis and they said she is doing well. She has even requested her children NOT come to the hospital because in her word..."a hospital is no place for children". I think that is so funny because her kids are in their 60's.


My prayers are with the Former First Lady, her husband of 64 years George H.W. Bush and the rest of the Bush family. They have quite a matriarch.