Remembering Barbara Bush & Living Senior Life To The Fullest
Seniors who are advancing in age are faced with accepting the fact that there is no fountain of youth. We are all human beings who have limitations and understand that our stay on this world is limited. As a grandparent, the young generation looks to us for advice on how to deal with their daily challenges. A smile, a laugh could help along a young girl going through a hard time in middle school. Only a grandparent can have a non formal relationship with a child that opens them up to reveal what’s really hurting them. Even though we are faced with reality we have to keep up beat. Barbara Bush was a person who shined in the public light and devoted her life to family & society and excelled in living life to the fullest. We mourn her loss and look to take a peek into some of her unique attributes in living a happy and fulfilling life.
In 1990, Barbara Bush was invited to give the commencement address at Wesley College in Massachusetts. Her speech was protested by 150 woman rights activist that claimed she did not fit the model of the type of the career woman the college seeks. She proceeded to give the speech and amazed the crowd and delivered this message.
“At the end of your life you will never regret not having past one more test, not winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband a friend, a child, or a parent” (Barbara Bush, Wesley College Commencement Speech,1990).
Mrs. Bush made it her business to let the base of college graduates know that it is not the career which you will regret but it’s the time you missed spent with loved ones. Young people think they will live forever and this message is often not heard due to the static from the tech busy lifestyle. But seniors do have the mindset to appreciate this message and have the opportunity to capitalize with family and friends.
Everyone she met felt connected to her due to her personal charisma and confidence. She was not attractive like other first ladies but used that to her advantage in being authentic. Long before social media Barbara Bush kept a Christmas card list of those whom George H. W met through business, friendship, and civic activities. She kept a log of their contact info and made sure to send Christmas cards to thousands of names and address. In return that was the base of the political operation for the Bush dynasty.
The marriage to President George H.W. Bush lasted 76 years and was a prime example of how a husband and wife should act when in the political and public spotlight. On one occasion, George had introduced her to speak as “sweetie pie” at a White House dinner. When Barbara got to the podium she responded with “thank you sweetie” which drew a burst of laughter from the entire audience. One of the reason of her successful marriage was a unique mindset to treasure those moments she spent with her husband. When senior couples retire they often find themselves with time on their hands. Only a couple who has learnt to enjoy each other’s company will benefit from the open time.
What was most impressive was her faith in G-D and fearlessness of death. She understood that once our time is up on this world our souls return to a better and more comfortable place. This helped her grow and be proactive for many movements in her senior years. In her final days she was always comforted by the fact that there is a great G-D who loves, looks over us, is right, and just.
Whether your new to senior hood or affiliated with an assisted living center in Northeast Ohio, its vital that we take the message of Barbara Bush and live our senior years to the fullest. Keep in mind that time is all relative and it’s up to us of how we perceive it. Mrs. Bush said that the reason that she married George H.W. was because he made her laugh. Always find a reason to laugh, it may not add years to your life but it surely will add life to your years. Take the time to live, love, and laugh and to spend time with the people you love.
We will miss you Barbara, The Senior Comfort Guide
