Funeral of Barbara Bush

By Douglas V. Gibbs
Author, Speaker, Instructor, Radio Host

This morning the granddaughters of Barbara Bush read Proverbs 31:10-31 during the funeral of the former first lady, wife of President George H.W. Bush and mother of President George W. Bush at St. Martin's Church in Houston, Texas.  1,500 guests joined together to remember the life of Barbara Bush.

As the wife of one President, and mother of another, an attribute only held by Abigail Adams (wife of President John Adams, mother of John Quincy Adams), Mrs. Bush was highly respected, and closely endeared.  Compassionate and strong-willed, the Silver Fox was revered by an entire nation.  A giving soul, and a support to those in her life, she cared for those around her, and the country she spent much of her life serving . . . by the side of her husband, George Herbert Walker Bush.

Her funeral, attended by members of both sides of the aisle, included moments of levity and sorrow, celebration and solemn remembrance.  While sadness filled the room, a gladness also existed, for Barbara Bush's faith in God was known, and all who were attending knew, Mrs. Bush is finally home with her Lord.

Historian Jon Meacham delivered words filled with humor and respect.  The attendees laughed, and joined in celebration.

Midway through singing Amazing Grace, with a full choir robed in white leading the way, the crowd including Barack Obama and Melania Trump, listened to a reading from the Gospel as they stood together to celebrate the life of Barbara Bush, thanking Our Lord for the pleasure of having Barbara Bush on the planet with us during the time she was with us.

The finale of the congregational signing of Amazing Graze was powerful, and filled with emotion (despite, as it was humorously pointed out later, the fact that it was sung earlier than originally planned and intended).  This writer's eyes were welling up, only to leave me nodding my head in understanding and agreement as Mrs. Bush's friend Susan Garrett Baker delivered her own eulogy, also laced with humor.  She called Mrs. Bush a tough and loving enforcer who had vision and tenacious dedication to literacy.  Her public contributions were only a part of her character.  She was also a dear friend. . . supportive, encouraging and loving as she pushed those around her to become more than they were, and more than they believed they could be.

Son Jeb Bush said his mother taught everyone around her how to live a life with purpose and meaning.  He then thanked all who attended the funeral before delivering a litany of lessons he learned from his "first teacher."

The funeral continues as I write this, targeted to meet its completion at 3:00 pm Eastern/Noon Pacific.  If the celebration of the woman's life continues as it has, each speaker will explain a number of things, focusing primarily on her toughness, traditional views, humility, and the humor that seemed to follow her around.  Rest in Peace, Barbara Bush.

All who knew her weep, not because they are sad about her passing because we know she is with The Lord . . . we weep because she will no longer be in our lives.

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary