Introduction
"The Man I Knew" by Jean Becker offers an intimate look at the life of George H.W. Bush after his presidency. As Bush's longtime chief of staff and close friend, Becker provides a unique perspective on the 41st president's post-White House years. This book paints a picture of a man who, despite leaving the highest office in the land, continued to lead a life of purpose, service, and deep personal connections.
The story begins with Bush's last moments and then takes us through the ups and downs of his life after the presidency. We see a man grappling with the sudden loss of power and purpose, only to find new meaning in family, friendship, and continued public service. Through Becker's eyes, we witness Bush's unwavering commitment to kindness, his playful sense of humor, and his ability to form meaningful relationships with people from all walks of life.
This summary will explore the key themes and stories from Becker's book, offering a glimpse into the private life of a very public figure. From his transition out of the White House to his final days, we'll see how George H.W. Bush navigated life after the presidency with grace, humor, and an enduring dedication to serving others.
One Thing After Another: The Transition from President to Private Citizen
The abrupt transition from being the most powerful person in the world to a private citizen is a shock that few can truly understand. For George H.W. Bush, this change came swiftly and with little time to prepare. On January 19, 1993, he was the President of the United States. The very next day, he was just George Bush from Houston, Texas.
Before leaving the White House, Bush performed one last act of presidential grace. He left a handwritten note in the desk drawer for his successor, Bill Clinton. The note wished Clinton great success and happiness, ending with the touching line, "I am rooting hard for you." This gesture, which has since become a tradition, speaks volumes about Bush's character and his commitment to the peaceful transfer of power.
Upon returning to Houston, the reality of his new situation began to sink in. Suddenly, there were no staff members preparing his meals or managing his schedule. The constant flow of information and decision-making that had defined his life for the past four years had come to an abrupt halt. Bush found himself loading the coffee machine and walking the dogs – tasks that were both foreign and mundane to a man who had just been leading the free world.
Despite the shock, Bush tried to maintain a positive outlook. In a letter to his friend and former political rival, Senator Bob Dole, he wrote about counting his blessings as he went about these new daily routines. This ability to find gratitude in small moments would serve Bush well in the years to come.
To fill his days, Bush threw himself into various activities. He worked on answering mail, planned his presidential library, and collaborated with his former national security advisor on a book. He enjoyed spending time with his son George W. Bush, who was then co-owner of the Texas Rangers baseball team. Bush would often drop in on training sessions, relishing the normalcy and camaraderie of the sport.
Yet despite keeping busy, Bush couldn't shake the feeling of being adrift. He missed the significance of the presidency – the weight of making important decisions and the feeling that his opinions mattered on the world stage. Now, it seemed that few people cared what he thought about current events or policy issues.
This sense of loss was compounded by a series of personal tragedies. In April of that year, Bush's beloved dog Ranger passed away. This loss hit Bush hard, serving as a catalyst for all the emotions he had been holding back. The pain of losing the election, the recent death of his mother, and now the loss of his faithful companion all came crashing down at once.
The string of misfortunes continued when the Bushes traveled to their summer home in Maine. During a severe storm, Bush's cherished boat was destroyed, smashed to pieces on the rocks. When asked later that summer by journalist George Plimpton about his activities, Bush gave a poignant and revealing answer: "I just sat there and watched the tide come in and go out."
This image of the former president, silently watching the ebb and flow of the tide, captures the melancholy and sense of displacement that marked this period of transition. It was a time of reflection, adjustment, and coming to terms with a new reality. For a man who had spent his life in service and leadership, finding purpose and meaning in this new chapter would prove to be a significant challenge.
However, as we'll see, George H.W. Bush was not one to remain idle for long. The skills, connections, and sense of duty that had propelled him to the highest office in the land would soon find new outlets, allowing him to continue making a difference in the world, albeit in different ways.
Passing the Torch: The Bush Family in Politics
Contrary to popular myths about political dynasties, the Bushes never had a grand plan to dominate American politics. Barbara Bush often joked that she was just hoping her sons would grow up, let alone run for office. Yet, as fate would have it, the Bush name would become synonymous with American politics for decades to come.
In 1994, George and Barbara's eldest son, George W. Bush, announced his candidacy for governor of Texas. At the same time, their second son, Jeb, decided to run for governor of Florida. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in the Bush family's political journey.
George H.W. and Barbara Bush threw themselves wholeheartedly into supporting their sons' campaigns. However, the former president was careful about his involvement, particularly when it came to public fundraisers. He wanted his sons to win based on their own merits, not riding on their father's coattails. This delicate balance between support and independence would become a recurring theme in the Bush family's political endeavors.
The 1994 elections brought mixed results for the Bush family. George W. emerged victorious in Texas, while Jeb fell short in Florida. However, Jeb's political ambitions were far from over. Four years later, he would successfully win the Florida governorship, further cementing the Bush family's place in American politics.
The real game-changer came in the summer of 1999 when George W. Bush decided to run for president. For George H.W. Bush, this decision filled him with an indescribable sense of pride and excitement. He threw himself into campaigning for his son with unbridled enthusiasm – sometimes to a fault. There were occasions when the elder Bush's speeches veered into overly sentimental territory, referring to the presidential candidate as "my boy," which wasn't exactly the image of gravitas that a potential leader of the free world might want to project.
The 2000 presidential election was a nail-biter, culminating in a contentious legal battle in Florida. When George W. Bush was finally declared the winner, it marked a historic moment – the first time a son of a former president had followed his father into the Oval Office since John Quincy Adams in 1825.
For George H.W. Bush, this moment was the pinnacle of fatherly pride. He wrote, "I no longer pursue [happiness], for it is mine. Pride in my family guarantees that happiness." This sentiment captures the deep satisfaction Bush felt in seeing his son achieve the highest office in the land.
However, Bush's empathy extended beyond his own family's triumph. Having experienced the sting of electoral defeat himself, he understood the pain that Al Gore, the losing candidate, must have been feeling. In a touching display of compassion, Bush insisted on calling Gore the night after the election was decided. Despite concerns from his staff about the appropriateness of such a call given the contentious nature of the election's conclusion, Bush was adamant: "Jean, I've been where Al Gore is. I know how he feels. I want to talk to him."
This gesture speaks volumes about Bush's character. Even in a moment of great personal joy, he could empathize with his son's opponent and reach out in a spirit of reconciliation. It's a reminder of the humanity that often gets lost in the heat of political battles.
The night George W. Bush and his wife Laura walked into the White House as President and First Lady, George H.W. and Barbara Bush watched on television from their home. In that moment, George H.W. Bush felt himself to be the proudest father in the world. It was a sentiment that encompassed not just personal pride, but a sense of continuity in service to the nation.
The Bush family's political journey is a testament to the complexities of American democracy. While they never set out to become a political dynasty, circumstances and individual ambitions led them to play a significant role in shaping American politics for over three decades. Through it all, George H.W. Bush remained a constant source of support, guidance, and pride for his children as they followed in his political footsteps.
Around the World: Bush's Post-Presidential Travels
Even after leaving office, George H.W. Bush's influence and connections on the world stage remained strong. His post-presidential travels often resembled those of a sitting head of state, with warm welcomes from world leaders and special accommodations made for his visits.
One amusing incident occurred during a trip to Japan. Bush casually mentioned to his Japanese minder that he'd like to meet with Emperor Akihito if he happened to be in town. The minder, trying to stifle a laugh, explained that the emperor's schedule was set months in advance and that such an impromptu meeting would be impossible. However, just hours later, the minder returned, somewhat embarrassed, to inform Bush that the emperor was eager to meet with him as soon as possible. This anecdote illustrates the respect and regard world leaders continued to have for Bush long after he left office.
Bush's travels weren't just about maintaining friendships and diplomatic ties. Some journeys held deep personal significance. In 2002, at the age of 78, Bush decided to return to the island of Chichijima, where his plane had been shot down during World War II, nearly 60 years earlier.
The journey to Chichijima was no small feat. The remote island, located 700 miles south of Tokyo, has no airport and is only accessible by a 33-hour boat ride from the Japanese capital. However, the Japanese government was more than willing to assist in making this trip possible for the former president. The irony wasn't lost on anyone – the last time Bush had been on Chichijima, he was a young pilot trying to bomb Japanese targets.
When Bush and his entourage arrived on Chichijima, they were greeted by nearly all of the island's 2,000 residents. The welcome was enthusiastic, with people screaming, waving, and presenting leis to the visitors. For many on the island, this was an even bigger event than the Emperor's visit a few years earlier.
After the warm reception, the mood turned more solemn as Bush and his companions boarded a small boat to visit the spot where his plane had crashed into the ocean decades ago. The wreckage still lay deep below the surface, but Bush's focus was elsewhere. He was more interested in the area where he had spent three harrowing hours drifting in a lifeboat, praying for rescue while convinced he would die.
In a poignant moment, Bush threw two flower wreaths into the water to honor his fallen crew members. Then, in a deeply personal gesture, he got into a life raft and paddled alone for a while. To his aide Jean Becker, watching from afar, Bush looked somewhat out of place just floating there. But she understood that this was a necessary moment for him – a chance to find closure, at the age of 78, for a traumatic experience he had endured as a young man.
This visit to Chichijima encapsulates much about Bush's post-presidential life. It shows his willingness to revisit and reconcile with the past, his ongoing connections with world leaders, and the respect he commanded internationally. More than that, it demonstrates his personal courage in facing difficult memories and his commitment to honoring those who had served alongside him.
Bush's global travels in his post-presidential years served multiple purposes. They allowed him to maintain and nurture the relationships he had built during his time in office. They provided opportunities for him to continue contributing to international dialogue and understanding. And in some cases, like the trip to Chichijima, they offered chances for personal reflection and healing.
These journeys around the world highlight an important aspect of Bush's character – his belief in the power of personal diplomacy and his commitment to maintaining connections across borders and cultures. Even without the formal title of President, Bush continued to serve as an unofficial ambassador for the United States, building bridges and fostering goodwill wherever he went.
Foe to Friend: Bush's Unlikely Friendship with Bill Clinton
One of the most surprising and heartwarming developments in George H.W. Bush's post-presidential life was his unlikely friendship with Bill Clinton, the man who had defeated him in the 1992 election. This relationship, which began as a political rivalry, blossomed into a genuine and lasting friendship that touched many people and served as an example of bipartisanship and reconciliation.
The catalyst for this friendship came in the wake of a terrible tragedy. In late 2004, a devastating tsunami struck 14 countries in South and Southeast Asia, claiming nearly 230,000 lives and causing widespread destruction. In response to this disaster, President George W. Bush had an idea: he would ask his father and Bill Clinton to serve as figureheads for tsunami relief efforts, encouraging Americans to donate to charities and relief programs.
Despite their past as political rivals, both former presidents readily agreed to this proposal, putting service above any lingering animosity. They also agreed to travel together to the affected region as representatives of the United States. This joint mission would prove to be the beginning of a remarkable friendship.
During their travels, Clinton and Bush got to know each other as people rather than political opponents. Clinton showed great kindness and consideration towards the older Bush, often lending him an arm for support and ensuring his comfort during their journey. Bush, in turn, treated Clinton with respect and warmth, sometimes even in a fatherly manner.
Their burgeoning friendship was further cemented in April 2005, following the death of Pope John Paul II. When former presidents were invited to attend the funeral, Clinton was hesitant due to recent heart surgery. Before making his decision, he wanted to consult with Bush. This gesture of respect and camaraderie touched Bush deeply.
In a conversation that defied the expectations of their respective staff members, Bush enthusiastically encouraged Clinton to join him on the trip to Rome. He assured Clinton that there would be medical support available if needed and that it would be a memorable experience. Clinton, won over by Bush's enthusiasm and friendship, agreed to go.
This trip to Rome marked a turning point in their relationship. From that point on, their friendship continued to grow and deepen. Clinton began making annual visits to Bush in Maine during the summers and would stop by to see him in Houston whenever possible. Their bond became so strong that when Clinton had a health scare one year, he told his aide he didn't want to take any phone calls – unless they were from George Bush.
The Bush-Clinton friendship became a symbol of bipartisanship and reconciliation in an increasingly polarized political landscape. It showed that people with different political views could not only coexist but form deep and meaningful friendships. Their relationship was based on mutual respect, shared experiences as former presidents, and a genuine liking for each other as individuals.
This friendship also had practical benefits. The two former presidents collaborated on various humanitarian efforts, leveraging their combined influence and popularity to raise awareness and funds for important causes. Their partnership on tsunami relief was just the beginning; they would go on to work together on other initiatives, including relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina.
For Bush, this friendship with Clinton was a testament to his ability to put past rivalries aside and focus on the present and future. It showed his capacity for forgiveness and his belief in the importance of personal relationships in politics and life. The warmth and genuineness of their friendship touched many Americans and served as an inspiring example of how political opponents could come together for the greater good.
The Bush-Clinton friendship also offers a poignant reminder of the shared experiences of those who have held the highest office in the land. Despite their political differences, both men understood the unique pressures and responsibilities of the presidency. This shared understanding formed a bond between them that transcended party lines.
In many ways, this unexpected friendship became one of the defining aspects of Bush's post-presidential life. It showcased his character, his ability to forge meaningful connections, and his ongoing commitment to public service. The image of these two former rivals turned friends working together and genuinely enjoying each other's company became a powerful symbol of unity and reconciliation in American public life.
Acts of Kindness: Bush's Commitment to Service and Generosity
Throughout his post-presidential years, George H.W. Bush became known for his numerous acts of kindness and his unwavering commitment to serving others. These actions, both big and small, paint a picture of a man who truly lived by his belief that "any definition of a successful life must include serving others."
One touching example of Bush's kindness occurred in 2004 when a firefighter in Houston was killed while battling an arson fire. Although Bush couldn't attend the funeral, he made a point of visiting the church to meet with the family. Upon returning from this visit, he announced to his chief of staff, Jean Becker, that he had invited the firefighter's 13-year-old son, Justin, to attend a Houston Astros baseball game with him that very night.
Despite the logistical challenges – Justin's family lived 60 miles outside of Houston, and the game was that evening – Bush was determined to make it happen. And he did. That night, he not only took Justin to the game but also arranged for him to meet players from both teams in their locker rooms. Throughout the evening, Bush spoke with Justin as if he were an old friend, offering comfort and distraction to a boy who had just lost his father.
This wasn't an isolated incident. Bush frequently went out of his way to lift the spirits of those going through difficult times. In 2006, he hosted a movie party for the release of Disney's "Glory Road," which tells the story of the first all-Black men's basketball team to win the NCAA championship. Bush invited men and women from every college basketball team in the area to celebrate the release. Despite it being mid-season, every team showed up, testament to the respect and affection people had for the former president.
In 2013, when the child of a Secret Service agent lost his hair due to chemotherapy, Bush shaved his own head in solidarity. He didn't even tell his wife Barbara beforehand – a fact that speaks to both his spontaneity in acts of kindness and his willingness to face potential domestic consequences for a good cause.
Beyond these individual acts, George and Barbara Bush were deeply committed to charitable causes. Over the course of their lives, they raised hundreds of millions of dollars for various charities. Their shared passion was fighting cancer, a cause close to their hearts since losing their daughter Robin to leukemia in 1953.
Bush's commitment to service led him to found Points of Light, an organization dedicated to encouraging people to find ways to help one another. He also established the Daily Point of Light award, which recognizes a White House employee each workday for their volunteer work. Bush personally signed every letter of congratulations for these awards until the day he died, underscoring his lifelong commitment to recognizing and encouraging service in others.
Bush's generosity extended beyond organized charity work. He was known for constantly offering rides to people and inviting them to stay at his home if they needed a place. This often resulted in the Bush household being filled with an eclectic mix of family, friends, and friends of friends. While this sometimes exasperated his staff, it was a clear reflection of Bush's open and welcoming nature.
His kindness and consideration extended to people he didn't even know. On one occasion, when he mistakenly dialed the wrong hospital room while trying to reach a friend, he ended up having a lengthy, friendly conversation with the woman who answered, asking about her condition and offering words of encouragement. When she realized who she was talking to, she was overjoyed. Bush, for his part, simply commented afterward, "Nice visit."
Bush made a habit of calling people he thought might be having a bad day. When Arnold Schwarzenegger's marital troubles became public, Bush insisted on calling him, despite his staff's reservations. His reasoning was simple: Schwarzenegger was going through a tough time and could use a friend. This empathy and desire to support others, even in potentially awkward situations, was a hallmark of Bush's character.
In his family life, Bush was known for his boundless love and playful humor. He took his role as a grandfather seriously, getting "very active in the grandchild business" after leaving office. He was always there to offer support to family members going through difficult times, embodying the role of the family patriarch with warmth and wisdom.
Bush's commitment to kindness and service was not just a public persona – it was an integral part of who he was. Whether it was comforting a grieving child, supporting a friend in need, or championing large-scale charitable efforts, Bush consistently demonstrated his belief in the importance of serving others. His life after the presidency serves as a powerful example of how one can continue to make a positive impact on the world, regardless of official title or position.
Big Ideas: Bush's Creativity and Spontaneity
George H.W. Bush was a man of many ideas, often to the chagrin of his staff. His chief of staff, Jean Becker, once jokingly wrote that her least favorite sound was "President Bush when he says, 'Jean, I have an idea.'" These ideas, while sometimes causing logistical headaches, were a testament to Bush's creativity, spontaneity, and zest for life.
One of Bush's favorite types of ideas involved surprises, especially for his wife Barbara. While it wasn't always clear whether Mrs. Bush truly enjoyed being surprised, George delighted in planning unexpected events to honor her. These surprises ranged from small gestures to elaborate schemes, all designed to show his love and appreciation for his wife of many decades.
Bush's ideas often extended beyond personal matters and into the realm of public service. In 2005, in the aftermath of Hurricane Rita, Bush received a call from a man in Cameron, Louisiana, seeking help to rebuild their town's hospital. Bush agreed to visit and join the relief effort, but he felt the planned itinerary was lacking something special for the struggling townspeople.
His solution? Invite George Clooney to join him on the trip.
Bush's reasoning was charmingly out of touch – he knew Clooney from the TV show "ER" and thought it would be fitting to bring the star of an emergency room show to help with a hospital. He was unaware that Clooney had left the show years earlier and was now a major film star. Moreover, Bush didn't actually know Clooney personally.
Undeterred by these minor details, Bush reached out to his producer friend Jerry Weintraub, who managed to contact Clooney. To everyone's surprise, Clooney agreed to come, touched by Bush's efforts to help a small, overlooked town. This incident perfectly encapsulates Bush's creative thinking, his willingness to reach out to unexpected allies, and his genuine desire to bring joy to others.
Perhaps Bush's most infamous "big idea" was his decision to go skydiving. His last parachute jump had been an emergency evacuation from his burning plane over Chichijima in 1944. Decades later, much to Barbara's dismay, he decided he needed a do-over. What started as a one-time adventure turned into something of a habit, with Bush ultimately completing six more jumps, most of them for charity.
These skydiving expeditions became a symbol of Bush's adventurous spirit and his refusal to let age define him. They also served as powerful fundraising tools for various causes, combining Bush's love of excitement with his commitment to service.
Bush's big ideas weren't always grand gestures or public events. Sometimes, they were simple acts of kindness or attempts to bring a smile to someone's face. For instance, he was known for his ongoing insistence that he had invented the phrase "You da man." According to Bush, he first uttered these words at a Houston Astros baseball game, after which the phrase entered the mainstream. This playful claim became an ongoing joke, showcasing Bush's sense of humor and his ability to not take himself too seriously.
Another of Bush's ideas was to remain deeply involved in his grandchildren's lives. After leaving office, he pledged to get "very active in the grandchild business," a promise he kept with enthusiasm. He made it a point to be present for important moments in his grandchildren's lives and to offer support and guidance whenever needed.
Bush's big ideas often centered around bringing people together. He loved hosting gatherings at his homes, inviting an eclectic mix of friends, family, and sometimes complete strangers. These events were opportunities for Bush to connect people, share stories, and create memorable experiences for all involved.
While some of Bush's ideas may have seemed impulsive or even impractical at times, they were always rooted in good intentions. Whether he was trying to cheer up a struggling town, honor his wife, raise money for charity, or simply bring a smile to someone's face, Bush's ideas were a reflection of his generous spirit and his desire to make the world a little bit better.
These "big ideas" also serve as a reminder that Bush, despite his prestigious background and serious demeanor in office, had a playful and creative side. They show a man who wasn't afraid to think outside the box, take risks, and sometimes make himself look a little silly in the pursuit of a good cause or a good laugh.
In many ways, Bush's big ideas in his post-presidential years were a continuation of the creativity and problem-solving skills he had honed during his time in office. But freed from the constraints of the presidency, he was able to apply these skills in more personal, and often more fun, ways.
Ultimately, Bush's penchant for big ideas kept him engaged with the world around him, fostered connections with people from all walks of life, and allowed him to continue making a positive impact long after he left the White House. These ideas, both big and small, are an integral part of the legacy of the man Jean Becker knew and admired.
Need a Lift? Bush's Commitment to Lifting Others' Spirits
One of the most endearing aspects of George H.W. Bush's character was his constant desire to lift the spirits of those around him. This trait manifested in various ways, from personal phone calls to impromptu acts of kindness, all aimed at bringing a smile to someone's face or offering comfort in difficult times.
Bush had a remarkable ability to treat strangers as if they were old friends. This was evident in an incident where he accidentally dialed the wrong hospital room while trying to reach a former CIA head. Instead of hanging up when he realized his mistake, Bush engaged the woman who answered in a friendly conversation, asking about her condition and offering words of encouragement. When she finally realized who she was talking to, she was overjoyed. Bush, in his typical understated manner, simply commented afterward, "Nice visit."
This wasn't an isolated incident. Bush regularly made an effort to call people he thought might be having a bad day. When news broke that Arnold Schwarzenegger's wife, Maria Shriver, had decided to leave him due to an affair, Bush insisted on calling Schwarzenegger. Despite his staff's reservations about the appropriateness of such a call given the circumstances, Bush was adamant. His reasoning was simple and compassionate: Schwarzenegger was under fire and could use a friend.
After making such calls, Bush would often ask his staff if they could think of anyone else who might need a lift. This constant awareness of others' emotional states and his desire to offer support was a defining characteristic of Bush's post-presidential years.
Bush's efforts to lift spirits weren't limited to phone calls. He was known for offering rides to people and telling them they could stay at his place if they needed to. This generosity often resulted in the Bush household being filled with an eclectic mix of friends, family, friends of family, and sometimes even strangers. While this open-door policy sometimes exasperated his staff, it was a clear reflection of Bush's welcoming nature and his desire to help others.
For Bush, family always came first, and he extended his spirit-lifting efforts to his large extended family with boundless love and humor. As a grandfather, he was deeply involved in his grandchildren's lives, offering support during tough times and celebrating their achievements. His playful sense of humor was a constant presence in family gatherings, with ongoing jokes like his insistence that he had invented the phrase "You da man."
Bush's commitment to lifting others' spirits extended beyond his personal circle. He was a strong believer in the power of public service to improve people's lives. This belief led him to establish the Points of Light foundation, which encourages volunteerism and community service. Through this organization and the Daily Point of Light award, Bush sought to recognize and inspire acts of kindness and service across the country.
Even in his later years, when his health was declining, Bush maintained his commitment to lifting others' spirits. During hospital stays, he would often engage with the staff, asking about their lives and sharing jokes. His ability to find humor and spread joy even in difficult circumstances was remarkable.
Bush's desire to lift others' spirits was more than just a personality trait – it was a fundamental part of his worldview. He believed deeply in the importance of kindness and empathy, and he lived these values every day. Whether he was comforting a grieving family, cheering up a friend going through a tough time, or simply bringing a smile to a stranger's face, Bush consistently demonstrated the power of small acts of kindness.
This aspect of Bush's character offers valuable lessons for all of us. It reminds us of the impact we can have on others through simple gestures of kindness and consideration. It shows us that no matter our status or circumstances, we all have the power to lift someone else's spirits.
In a world that often seems divided and harsh, Bush's commitment to kindness and empathy stands out as a beacon of hope. It's a reminder that even after holding the highest office in the land, what truly matters is how we treat the people around us. Bush's legacy of lifting spirits is perhaps one of his most enduring and inspiring contributions to American life.
One Last Leap: Bush's Final Years
As George H.W. Bush entered his eighties, his health began to decline. In 2010, he was diagnosed with a rare form of Parkinson's disease that gradually robbed him of his mobility. Despite this challenge, Bush's spirit remained indomitable, and he continued to approach life with his characteristic mix of humor, courage, and zest for living.
Bush's declining health led to several close calls. In 2012, he developed a blood clot in his lung that nearly claimed his life. His chief of staff, Jean Becker, had to rush from a Houston Texans football game to be by his side. In 2015, there were two more serious incidents: one where Bush was rushed to the emergency room, and another where he fell and broke his neck while getting out of bed.
Yet, even in the face of these health challenges, Bush refused to let illness control his life. Perhaps the most remarkable example of this came on his 90th birthday in 2014. Despite his frailty, Bush decided to celebrate this milestone with one last parachute jump.
On June 14, 2014, the former president completed a tandem skydive, landing on the grounds of the church he attended in Kennebunkport, Maine. Barbara Bush, ever protective of her husband, fretted throughout the entire event. She even joked, with a hint of gallows humor, "Well, if it goes wrong, we'll just carry him inside and have the funeral." Fortunately, no funeral was necessary. While the landing was admittedly hard, Bush emerged from the jump happy and unscathed.
This final skydive was more than just a birthday celebration. It was a powerful statement about Bush's approach to life – his refusal to be defined by age or illness, his willingness to take risks, and his determination to live life to the fullest. It was also a testament to his adventurous spirit and his desire to use his public profile for good, as the jump raised awareness and funds for charity.
As Bush's health continued to decline, he faced perhaps his greatest personal loss. On April 17, 2018, Barbara Bush, his wife of 73 years, passed away. In a cruel twist of fate, the power was out in the Bush household that day, rendering their home's elevator unusable. The former president had to be carried up the stairs by Secret Service agents to be with his wife in her final moments. The power came back on shortly after she died, a poignant metaphor for the light going out of Bush's life.
Despite this devastating loss, Bush lived on for several more months. He spent one last summer in Maine, surrounded by family, friends, and well-wishers. Old acquaintances found excuses to stop by, knowing that the end was near. Bush, ever gracious, welcomed these visits, even as he understood their underlying reason.
On November 18, 2018, sensing that his time was near, President Bush made phone calls to each of his children. His last call was to his eldest son, former President George W. Bush. His final words were a simple, heartfelt "I love you, too." With this last expression of love, George H.W. Bush passed away.
Throughout his final years, even as his body failed him, Bush maintained the qualities that had defined his life: his love for family, his sense of humor, his courage in the face of adversity, and his deep commitment to service. His decision to make one last parachute jump at 90, despite his health issues, encapsulates the spirit of a man who lived life on his own terms, always pushing boundaries and refusing to be limited by circumstances.
Bush's final years also demonstrated the power of his relationships. The care and devotion shown by his family, friends, and staff speak volumes about the kind of man he was and the impact he had on those around him. Even in his weakest moments, he continued to inspire and uplift others.
The story of Bush's final years is not just about decline and loss. It's a testament to resilience, to the enduring power of the human spirit, and to the importance of facing life's challenges with grace and dignity. It's a reminder that even in our twilight years, we can continue to inspire, to serve, and to make a difference in the lives of others.
Epilogue: A Fitting Farewell
George H.W. Bush was never shy about discussing his wishes for his funeral. In fact, he approached the topic with a mix of practicality and humor that was characteristic of his personality. He wanted a simple casket made of plain brown wood, a headstone featuring a simple cross, and he even joked about wanting the military to speed up their procession a bit.
When the day of his funeral arrived, Bush got most of his wishes – and then some. The ceremony was marked by several unexpected yet deeply moving moments that perfectly captured the essence of the man and the impact he had on those around him.
One of the most memorable moments came when Senator Bob Dole, who was in a wheelchair, struggled to his feet so he could salute President Bush's casket. This poignant gesture from a longtime political rival turned friend spoke volumes about the respect Bush commanded and the bridges he had built across party lines.
Another touching moment occurred when former president Bill Clinton approached Jean Becker in the aisle of the National Cathedral. Overcome with emotion, Clinton collapsed into Becker's arms, sobbing. His grief was so palpable that it spread to his wife Hillary and their daughter Chelsea, who also began to cry. This outpouring of emotion from the man who had defeated Bush in the 1992 election was a powerful testament to the deep and genuine friendship that had developed between these two former political rivals.
Perhaps the most heart-wrenching moment came during George W. Bush's eulogy for his father. The younger Bush managed to maintain his composure throughout most of his speech, but his voice broke as he reached the final words: "And in our grief, let us smile, knowin