The passing of a president naturally causes people to reflect—both
on the president's life and time in the White House and their own lives seen
through the lens of that time. I was deeply moved by today's funeral service
for President George H.W. Bush. The four eulogies were eloquent and honored the
life of our 41st president with warmth and dignity.
I didn't know that George and Barbara had lost their three
year-old daughter Robin until it was mentioned when Barbara Bush died earlier
this year. I'm not sure if the Bushes intentionally kept it private back in the
days George was active in politics or not. But I am pleased to see the Bush
family speaking openly now about their tragic loss all those years ago, and the
lifelong grief George and Barbara endured.
I cried as George W. Bush broke down at the end of his eulogy, thinking
about his father finally being able to hug Robin and hold Barbara’s hand once
more. What a comforting idea that is. For a parent who has lost a child, the
thought of one day being reunited is sometimes the only way to get through the
agony of having to go on living without her. It is a thought I sometimes
entertain about Natalie… (until my pragmatic side wakes up and causes me to
question it).
Listening to all the stories and analysis of George Bush’s life and
his presidency has been illuminating, but through it all I am left with the
image of a father who lost his baby girl and lived the majority of his long,
full life grieving her each and every day. Despite all the privilege and power
and politics of the Bush family, I am left with the image of an imperfect but very human man who welcomed
death with open arms so he could be with his beloved wife and daughter again. I
hope he has found them.
