Being President of the United States gives a few lucky men
the opportunity to influence so many youth on a mass scale. In a time when the
country is now mourning the loss of 41, everyone is in a state of reflection. I’m
no different. I don’t remember President Regan even though he was the president
when I was born. President Bush was the first that I actually remember. And
remembering him is one of the memories I have as a young child that sticks out
most vividly in my mind.
There are few others like the birth of my brother, the
Challenger exploding, Reading Rainbow in 1st grade and then,
President Bush addressing the nation.
I can’t remember if I was flying to Houston or flying home
from Houston, but I remember President Bush. I was at the airport with my mom
sitting with our luggage in Kansas City when President Bush was on the television. I
remember looking up and seeing him talking to the nation. I don’t remember what
it was about, maybe the Gulf War given the time period. But I remember him, and
the Seal of the United States. As a young girl I was awe struck by the sight. Here was a man, powerful, strong, and capturing.
It was in that very moment that a young 7 (maybe I was 8)
girl decided she was going to be a lawyer and then one day President herself.
From that moment on every decision I made was with the goal of serving my
country in politics. And it was a goal I intended to keep.
But like every dream of a young kid, life changes in
college. I took a Macro-Economics class at Sam Houston State University and the
rest was history. Law school no more, Business and Economics for me.
That doesn’t change the fact that I vividly remember looking
at the screen and watching the President. I remember looking around the airport
and adults were all focused on what he was saying. It was an amazing moment
that I will never forget, seeing the power of one man, a man who stopped people
in their tracks when he spoke.
Like President Bush I wasn’t born in Houston but I do call
it my home. I’m proud to have shared a city with him, him and his wife.
Watching her funeral earlier this year was sad, tears were shed and it was
heartbreaking to see the President without his life partner. This week’s
services are sure to bring more tears to my eyes as the country honors a man
who gave his life for the good of our people.
I wished I would have gotten to meet President and Mrs.
Bush. I’ve heard how nice they were. My heart felt sincerest condolences goes
out to the entire Bush family. I hope that I can find a way to make it to visit
the President at his church on Wednesday evening.
I wish I had better words to describe the impact he left on
a young 7 year old girl back in Kansas City … but I just can’t muster anymore than I have.
Rest in Peace President Bush – your impact on our world will
be felt for many more generations to come.
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