The Man I Knew

"Any definition of a successful life must include serving others." George H. W. Bush lived this mantra, even after leaving the Oval Office, leaving behind a legacy rich in compassion, humor, and service.

1. Adjusting to Life Beyond the Presidency

The sudden transition from leading the free world to private citizenship hit George H. W. Bush hard. Overnight, he was no longer responsible for critical global decisions or domestic negotiations.

He wrote to friends about facing mundane realities like making coffee and walking his dogs. These daily rituals, while grounding, symbolized the vacuum left by losing the weight of the presidency. Yet, Bush focused on counting blessings to cope with the change.

His initial months involved building a structured routine: setting up his presidential library, penning a book, and diving into activities like sporting events with his son and fishing trips. Despite these efforts, the pain of losing significance lingered, compounded by successive personal losses.

Examples

• Bush's handwritten note to his successor, Bill Clinton, wishing happiness and success.
• The death of his dog, Ranger, brought forth unprocessed grief from losing the election and his mother.
• His boat being destroyed by a summer storm in Maine, further straining his transition.

2. Supporting the Political Legacy of His Family

While public perception might suggest otherwise, the Bush political dynasty wasn’t premeditated from the family dinner table. Still, George and Barbara Bush became integral to their sons' political campaigns.

When George W. and Jeb Bush ran for governor in 1994, their parents campaigned passionately, balancing involvement to preserve their sons' independent credibility. George W.’s eventual success in Texas, followed by Jeb’s in Florida, marked the beginning of a renewed political era for the Bush family.

Years later, when George W. announced his presidential candidacy, the senior Bush was ecstatic, showing unwavering pride in his son while empathizing with the defeat Al Gore faced.

Examples

• Refraining from over-participating in fundraising to shield his sons' credibility.
• George H. W.’s emotional speeches for George W., referring to him as "my boy."
• Calling Al Gore after the election to console and commend him for his effort.

3. Revisiting the Past, Healing Old Wounds

George H. W. Bush courageously revisited his past by returning to the remote island where his plane crashed during WWII. This journey served both as closure and an opportunity to reflect on his experiences.

With the help of the Japanese government, Bush traveled to Chichijima, greeted by nearly 2,000 residents celebrating his visit. Once there, Bush honored fallen crew members and spent a quiet moment in a life raft, recalling his harrowing hours drifting in the ocean.

This symbolic visit wasn’t about retribution or blame but about embracing history and finding peace at age 78, decades after that life-altering event.

Examples

• Being welcomed on Chichijima with enthusiasm and tradition, a stark contrast to wartime hostility.
• Tossing flower wreaths into the sea for his lost crew members.
• Rowing solo in a life raft to recreate and reflect on his WWII experience.

4. Forging an Unlikely Friendship with an Old Rival

A shared sense of service turned political opponents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton into lasting friends. Their bond began during a joint relief effort for the 2004 South Asian tsunami.

Through their humanitarian trip, personal gestures by Clinton such as helping Bush in and out of vehicles, and mutual respect flourished. This friendship grew further when they attended Pope John Paul II’s funeral together, defying medical advice for Clinton’s heart condition.

Their camaraderie highlights how duty and bravery can rewrite relationships, even after fierce political rivalry.

Examples

• Partnering for tsunami relief programs upon George W. Bush’s suggestion.
• Clinton giving up his own bed on trips to support Bush’s comfort.
• Yearly visits by Clinton to Bush in Maine and Houston, showcasing their close bond.

5. Dedication to Kindness and Service

Throughout his life, Bush performed acts of kindness, big and small. Whether comforting a grieving child or organizing events inspired by stories of perseverance, he empathized deeply with those in need.

Bush once befriended a firefighter’s child grieving the loss of his father and brought him to a baseball game, creating a cherished memory. His decision to raise money for cancer research after losing his daughter Robin shaped his philanthropic passion.

His belief in the power of individual acts led to the founding of Points of Light, an enduring organization encouraging people to help their communities.

Examples

• Daily Point of Light awards recognizing White House employees’ volunteer work.
• Shaving his head as a gesture of solidarity for a young cancer patient.
• Hosting college basketball athletes to celebrate racial milestones in the sport.

6. Embracing Big, Unexpected Ideas

Bush’s approach to life included whims that often lightened heavy situations. He pursued bold ideas and surprises, even if they seemed unconventional.

His effort to bring George Clooney to a Hurricane Rita-stricken town stemmed from the belief that even a small glimmer of joy could uplift disaster-stricken communities. Inviting humor wherever possible, Bush also embraced skydiving well into old age as a nod to overcoming fear.

These quirky ideas enriched his relationships and brought smiles to many around him, proving life doesn’t have to be limited by age or norms.

Examples

• Contacting Clooney to cheer up a town shortly after Hurricane Rita hit.
• Parachute jumping at 90 to honor his WWII experience and for charity.
• Organizing surprise celebrations for Barbara, even if she wasn’t a fan of surprises.

7. Bringing Comfort to Others

Bush often reached out to comfort those going through hard times, even total strangers. From phone calls to uplifting messages, he consistently sought opportunities to bring a silver lining.

For instance, in the wake of media frenzy over Arnold Schwarzenegger’s scandal, Bush called the actor to offer support. He saw such moments of despair as times when people most needed kindness and understanding.

Bush’s efforts to connect often inspired others to emulate this sense of supportiveness, further extending his legacy of care.

Examples

• Encouraging Schwarzenegger during haunting times of media scrutiny.
• Speaking to a confused hospital patient over the phone simply out of politeness.
• Inviting friends or even strangers to stay at his home if they needed sanctuary.

8. Lifelong Dedication to Family

Bush balanced his commitment to public service with a strong emphasis on family. He stayed remarkably connected, treating grandchildren like close confidants and prioritizing their joys and struggles.

By retiring actively into family events, Bush participated earnestly, from sharing baseball games to offering advice. His playful humor, such as claiming he coined phrases like “You da man,” added levity.

His paternal love also extended to handling small gestures of encouragement or grand symbols like celebrating life milestones together.

Examples

• His “active grandchild business” that his family fondly remembers.
• Writing congratulatory letters to George W. and Jeb during key career milestones.
• Creating family traditions centered around summer gatherings in Maine.

9. Facing Mortality with Courage and Humor

Despite declining health due to Parkinson’s disease, Bush approached mortality with grit and humor. He lived each moment fully, from skydiving at 90 to hosting summer gatherings in Maine just before passing.

When Barbara passed in 2018, Bush demonstrated resilience by staying relationally involved while grieving privately. Eventually, in November 2018, after heartfelt calls with each child, Bush peacefully said goodbye, embodying strength until his last breath.

His legacy of facing every moment, with adaptability and calm, stands as inspiration for how to cherish life.

Examples

• Aggressively recovering from near-fatal illnesses and injuries in his 80s.
• Raising a milkshake to celebrate life hours after almost dying in 2015.
• Closing his life with meaningful interactions, including a tender moment with George W.

Takeaways

1. Seek opportunities to serve and uplift others in your daily life, no matter how small the gesture.
2. Treat relationships with respect and empathy, even those involving past rivals or disagreements.
3. Embrace life's surprises and bold ideas—they provide joy and often build memorable experiences.