From the Heart
They lived through the Depression. They fought in WWII. They were our fathers. We are losing them.
They are part of what is called the Greatest Generation. Most of those still living have arrived into their 90s.
These thoughts ran through my mind on Monday as I watched, through a veil of tears, the arrival and procession as George H.W. Bush was carried into the U.S. Capitol Building. So many wanted to pay their respects and say goodbye to No. 41.
It wasn’t just the man and his accomplishments but the memories that came from the interviews of those who knew 41.
And oh, the eulogies of his son, No. 43, his granddaughter, Jenna Bush Hager, and his friend, James Baker. Love was spoken time and time again. And the nation wiped tears.
41 loved his family and his friends well. He wasn’t afraid to let them know he loved and appreciated them. He valued those who were part of his White House family. He knew how to treat people. The stories were evidence of that.
He was a letter writer. What a treasure that so many held in their hands as words came from the heart to the pages as 41 wrote.
In this day and age we have lost the art of writing letters. That is a shame.
I have letters that my dad wrote to my mother when he was in the service. To be able to read the love between my mom and dad is truly a gift.
George and Barbara had a love story that generations can read about because of those letters.
For 73 years George and Barbara celebrated Christmas together. This year is no exception. The location is new but they are together.
George H.W. Bush stood for what is right even when it wasn’t easy. The Greatest Generation did that.
The Greatest Generation stood for the National Anthem and knelt at the altar to pray.
Men and women of that generation shook hands and that was as good as signing a contract. They kept their word.
That generation valued all that the United States was built upon. One nation Under God. Liberty and justice for All.
Maybe 41 didn’t find world peace or make a lot of changes but he did make a difference.
This week we were reminded that kindness does matter. Letting our family and friends know that we care does matter. Words matter, especially if they are written down.
Civility in this day and age is rare. 41 showed that even those we disagree with deserve to be treated well. We all have opportunities to reach across our own aisles with respect and kindness. Our opinion does not have to be cast upon others with harshness and malice. It’s not like we are going to change their mind.
Let us not forget what the Greatest Generation has taught us. Let us not forget to show them how much they are appreciated. Let us again do what is right because it is the right thing to do. Let us follow in their wise footsteps.
There are words that need to be said. There are letters that need to be written.
Well, I gotta go. I have a few letters to write.