HOUSTON — Sons and grandsons of First Lady Barbara Bush shared stories of the moments leading to her death.
Pierce Bush was among those in the room of the Bush family home before his grandmother passed. He was only 2 years old when Barbara became First Lady and soon grandmother to the entire country.
“What you saw of Barbara Bush was really what you saw of her in person. She was really a straight shooter,” Pierce Bush said.
Wednesday would be the first day many of the Bush family would address the passing of the family matriarch. Pierce Bush admits he was among those reluctant to speak, but felt it was right given the outpouring of support.
“I love the stories that I’ve seen in the media about people that would talk about seeing her walking her dog and just how friendly she was and approachable,” Pierce Bush said.
There were no politics with Barbara Bush. She was a mother first, and that made her relatable to people of different backgrounds.
Jeb Bush attended the Elmhurst College Governmental Forum to talk important economic issues facing the country, but offered funny stories to take the edge off of one of the most emotional days for the family.
“They come up to you and they go, 'I love your mother.' And that was always code for, 'I’m a Democrat, and I can’t stand you, your brother, your dad, but I love your mother,'” he said.
Now you may not think someone nicknamed "The Enforcer," according to Pierce Bush, would have much of a sense of humor. Well, you would be wrong. Even in her final hours, George W. Bush says his mother’s wit never flinched.
“The day before she died, I said, 'Mom, I want you to know you’ve been a fabulous mother, and I love you dearly.' She said, 'I want you to know, you’ve been my favorite son...on the phone.'”
In her last moments, Barbara Bush made sure to have family close. Pierce Bush, who carries his grandmother’s maiden name, recalls his grandfather, George, never leaving her side.
George H.W. Bush held her hand until the end, and Pierce Bush says it was at that point where the wave of emotion first hit him. His grandfather had just lost his best friend of 73 years.
“The real calling for our family now is to just be there for this man who we love so much,” Pierce Bush said.
Barbara Bush won’t soon be forgotten, nor will her inspiration that shaped the people who carry on her name and legacy. Pierce is the CEO of Big Brothers and Big Sisters Lone Star in Houston and says none of this would have been possible without Barbara motivating him to pursue a life of public service.
Photos: Barbara Bush through the years
