Saturday was a strange day of sadness and celebration as a family said goodbye as privately as possible on the national stage to a friend, wife, partner, mother, grandmother and someone dedicated genuinely to serving and uplifting others in so many ways.
It was a much-needed break, along with a spiritual celebration of Barbara Bush's life, for the country to collect our spiritual beings, quietly and firmly, amidst the growing daily chaos.
Regardless of politics and human imperfections, thank heavens the spotlight was on dedication, a celebration of 73 years of family love, community support, and the old-fashioned values and compassion that have glued our country together through many challenges and celebrations. It reminded us of support that builds us up as individuals and a country, not tears us down.
Rest in peace, Barbara Bush. You gave us one more gift as a model of someone who brought humanness, a sense of humor and the continuous dedication to stand up not only for literacy, but to say “Let's awaken American values again" and support our democracy and each other. And, more importantly, to actively stand up for those values. You reminded us to boost each other up, not tear each other down. It felt good.
Ruth Barrett, New Brighton