remembering President Bush

Bill had cardio rehab yesterday in College Station and there were already signs of preparation for Thursday’s events, when President George H. W. Bush will be buried next to his wife Barbara at the Bush Library. After therapy, we headed towards home, driving along Wellborn — a freight train was going by on the track running along the side of the road but it was also pulling a passenger car, heading towards Houston to be added to the train that will transport President Bush from Houston on Thursday. We wondered if this car was for pall bearers or the press. The front engine of the train had number “41” painted on it.

Stopping at H.E.B. for a few groceries, we saw two jets flying overhead, one jet breaking away — practicing the “missing man formation”. We continued to hear them roaring overhead from inside the store as they went through the same pattern over and over.

Heading home, we saw men already setting up fences to hold back expected crowds when the road will close tomorrow. Bill decided to reschedule tomorrow’s therapy appointment.

Here in Texas, President Bush wasn’t just a political figure; he was a beloved member of the family. I once went to an Astro’s game he and Barbara attended, just part of the “regular crowd”. About 17 years ago, I went with Bill’s mother to hear Barbara Bush speak at the junior college in our small town in Kansas — because Mom was on oxygen (considered handicapped), we sat right in front next to Barbara. She was an engaging, intelligent speaker but I came away mostly knowing of the special love she and George shared. Now they are together again.