Leave a Legacy Like Barbara Bush

I have never really given much thought about Barbara Bush.  Frankly, I didn’t know much about her before she died.  Of course, I knew a few things about her, but I mainly thought of her as a past First Lady and the mother of President George W. Bush.

When she died on April 17^th, I watched the news coverage with a lot of interest and realized that she was so much more than what I had previously thought.

In fact, Barbara Bush was a remarkable woman who left a lasting legacy on the world. That set an excellent example for the rest of us.

I can’t recall such nice things being said about someone by almost everyone, including people who might not ordinarily be a supporter.

Universal Praise

Let’s take a moment to review a few of those statements.

President Bill Clinton said, “Barbara Bush was a remarkable woman. She had grit & grace, brains & beauty. She was fierce & feisty in support of her family & friends, her country & her causes. She showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like. Hillary and I mourn her passing and bless her memory.”

President Barack Obama shared his thoughts as well.  “Barbara Bush was the rock of a family dedicated to public service, and our thoughts and prayers are with both Presidents Bush and the entire Bush family tonight. We’ll always be grateful to Mrs. Bush for the generosity she showed to us throughout our time in the White House, but we’re even more grateful for the way she lived her life – as a testament to the fact that public service is an important and noble calling; as an example of the humility and decency that reflects the very best of the American spirit. She’ll be remembered for passing those American values on to her children, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren — and to the countless citizens whom she and George inspired to become “points of light” in service to others.”

Of course, those closest to her shared their opinions as well.

Governor Jeb Bush said, “Columba and I join every member of the Bush family in offering our sincere gratitude for the outpouring of love and support for my Mom in recent days, and throughout her remarkable life. I’m exceptionally privileged to be the son of George Bush and the exceptionally gracious, gregarious, fun, funny, loving, tough, smart, graceful woman who was the force of nature known as Barbara Bush. Thank you for your prayers, and we look forward to celebrating and honoring her life and contributions to our family and great nation in the coming days.”

Finally, President George W. Bush weighed in with a statement about his mom.  “Laura, Barbara, Jenna and I are sad, but our souls are settled knowing hers was.  Barbara Bush was a fabulous first lady and a woman unlike any other who brought us levity, love and literacy to millions. To us, she was so much more … Our family will miss her dearly, and we thank you for all your prayers and good wishes.”

Politicians, news commentators, celebrities and foreign dignitaries alike released similar statements.

After watching the coverage and reading these statements, I naturally thought about my legacy.

Have I lived a life of meaning?

Have I given more than I have received?

What will my legacy be?

An examination of Barbara Bush’s life reveals five legacies she left for her family, her friends and the rest of us.

Family First

Based on everything I have seen, read and heard, Barbara Bush put her family first.  She was the Matriarch of an extraordinary family.  A family that, by most measurements, was successful and many members dedicated their lives to public service.

That didn’t happen by accident.

As a supportive wife and a dedicated mother who raised six children, Barbara was the glue that held the family together.

Here are a few quotes that demonstrate her mindset in regards to her family.

“You must read to your children, and you must hug your children, and you must love your children. Your success as a family, our success as a society, depends not on what happens in the White House, but on what happens inside your house.”

“I think togetherness is a very important ingredient of family life. To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there.”

“I am still old and still in love with the man I married 72 years ago.”

Barbara Bush and her husband, George H.W. Bush were the longest married presidential couple in history.

How you treat your family can and should be an important legacy you leave behind.  This legacy that can have a positive effect on future generations for many years.

Related Post: What Advice Would You Give Your Younger Self

High Expectations

Shortly after the former First Lady died, Dana Perino, who worked for President George W. Bush, recalled how Barbara Bush was a woman who maintained high expectations of those around her.  These high expectations not only included her family but also others around her.

Perino told the story of how her husband sent a delayed thank you note by several weeks to Barbara Bush after an event.  The next time Barbara saw Dana and her husband, she said, “Well, that was the latest thank you note I ever received.”

Barbara would not accept mediocrity or sub-par effort from anyone and that included her family.

Her grandchildren even call her “The Enforcer.”

In spite of having these high expectations, those who knew her loved her.  They knew she only wanted the best for them.

Therefore, shouldn’t all of us have high expectations for those around us?  People seem to achieve more when we expect more.

Dedication to Serving Others

Barbara Bush is well known for advocating for family literacy.  Over 25 years ago, she founded the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.  This organization is still active and making a difference in the lives of families across America.

Barbara had a heart for others as evident by the causes she supported and these quotes.

“If human beings are perceived as potentials rather than problems, as possessing strengths instead of weaknesses, as unlimited rather than dull and unresponsive, then they thrive and grow to their capabilities.”

“Never lose sight of the fact that the most important yardstick of your success will be how you treat other people – your family, friends, and coworkers, and even strangers you meet along the way.”

“Some people give time, some money, some their skills and connections, some literally give their life’s blood. But everyone has something to give.”

Barbara used her time and talent to support AIDS/HIV awareness, fight cancer, help children, feed hungry people, and help homeless people.

Of course, these causes are just a few that she supported throughout her life.  The important point is, she committed her entire life to helping other people.

You can positively impact the lives of others when you invest your time and talent into helping them rise above their circumstances and achieve their goals.

Sense of Humor

Barbara Bush was well known for her sense of humor.  She has been described as having a quick, dry wit.

A pilot welcomed Ms. Bush on the plane he was flying in 1988.  The pilot told her he had worked on her husband’s campaign for Senate in 1970.  Without missing a beat, Barbara responded, “We lost that election, please don’t help us this time.”

I found a few additional quotes that illustrate Barbara’s sense of humor.

“Never ask anyone over 70 how they feel. They’ll tell you.”

“I married the first man I ever kissed. When I tell this to my children, they just about throw up.”

Barbara Bush delivered one of the most highly regarded commencement speeches in history at Wellesley College in 1990.  In fact, NPR ranked it on their list of “best commencement speeches, ever.”

One of her most funny lines ever was delivered during the speech.

“And who knows? Somewhere out in this audience may even be someone who will one day follow in my footsteps, and preside over the White House as the president’s spouse,’ she said. ‘I wish him well!”

The speech is worth watching in its entirety.

Faith

Barbara Bush attended St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston for over 50 years.  She spoke publicly about her faith on many occasions.

“I’m a huge believer in a loving God,” she said. “And I have no fear of death, which is a huge comfort because we’re getting darned close.”

“And I don’t have a fear of death for my precious George or for myself because I know that there is a great God.”

Barbara practiced her faith in how she lived her life.  For the most part, she avoided the controversies that can sometimes surround famous people.

Barbara often reminisced about being reunited with her daughter, Pauline Robinson Bush, who died of leukemia at age six.

When approaching death, Barbara told Jeb, “Jeb, I believe in Jesus and he is my savior.  I don’t want to leave your dad, but I know I will be in a beautiful place.”

Barbara taught Sunday school over the years and was involved in outreach ministries at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.

Leaving a legacy of faith can be the most important and lasting legacy that anyone can leave behind.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that Barbara Bush lived a life of significance.  That is evident by all of the positive comments about her from across the globe.  The people who met her and knew her would never forget her.

Barbara Bush left a legacy of putting her family first, having high expectations, dedication to serving others, having a sense of humor and living a life of faith.

Living a life of significance and leaving a positive legacy behind should be a goal of all of us.

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