Brother President

I have never seen a president in person before. I saw a state governor once. But to my shame, I proudly snubbed him as he toured my workplace and approached me for a handshake. At the time, I thought it was an expression of family loyalty after my father was replaced in the political shuffling that happens with all new administrations, but in hindsight, I know it was just my rebellious self refusing to give honor where civic honor was due.

Today, One talked to President Bush (#41) and he talked to her! What an honor. What an opportunity! What a memory. I wish I had stayed around to see it all. Husband's recounting will have to do.

Originally, all five of us arrived at the venue almost 2 hours early in order to get the best seats. We had come from a classical music recital earlier in the day, and I wasn't sure how the little ones were going to do with another long sit-still. Really, I wanted to go to sense the excitement and to experience the Secret Service security after having watched a documentary about all that goes into preparing, or "sweeping" a venue for a presidential visit. I was not impressed. Perhaps the detail is different for past presidents (I've since learned that after Clinton, former presidents will be given security for no longer than 10 years); I say this because I noticed many "no-nos." There seemed to be underground parking available, there was no bag check, trash receptacles were still in place and there was not an agent in sight except inside the venue, down by the stage -- maybe -- or they might have been "handlers." I know they say that the Secret Service blends, but tonight I worried that they blended too well. Who am I to know? Maybe in 2006, they're wearing super-duper, x-ray contact lenses and didn't need to open my big black purse.

Husband says that President Bush was a great lecturer: funny, gracious, articulate, comfortable and interesting. He spoke about his life after the presidency: raising tsunami relief, working for the benefit of hurricane victims, his personal regard and friendship with former rival, President Bill Clinton, his concern for the climate of politics today and a charge for young people to serve their communities in seemingly small ways. He remembered fondly his work to organize a YMCA in Midland and his efforts to form a chapter of the Republican Party there, both in the early 50s.

After his lecture, he took questions from the audience. Husband earlier talked with One about some suggestions for a question, but she wasn't sure she felt confident asking it of President Bush. She hemmed and hawed, and said she would think about it.

Seeing the line form behind the stationed mics, Husband cautioned One, "Don't think too long because he's not going to answer questions forever."

She stirred but hesitated.

And then he did it! He pushed One off the fence by choosing for her, "Go get in line behind that person right there."

And she did it. I don't know that I would have been as effective; I'm glad he was there. I think she is glad he was there, too.

She got in the long line, (which Husband worried would only serve to heighten her anxiety), and upon her turn, stood up straight to ask the 41st President of the United States, "Um...I want to ask you...What was the best thing that happened -- besides your election -- and what was the hardest thing?"

President Bush smiled and responded that the best moment of his presidency was watching General Schwartzkopf march the troops after a victorious return from the Persian Gulf. He added that he was glad for the reception our troops received in contrast to that of the returning Vietnam vets decades earlier.

This is my favorite part. He admitted that the hardest thing about his time in office was losing the election to Clinton, but quickly added that now he could see that if he had been elected, his son (President #43) would not have ascended to the presidency, and that another son wouldn't have been elected Governor of Florida. He added a heartfelt acknowledgment that the Lord really does work in mysterious ways!

Except to answer an earlier, politely contentious question about faith's increasing presence in politics and government, he had not spoken of the Lord in any of his responses. I wonder? Is it possible that the Spirit in him sensed the Spirit in her, and for a short moment they two related as Sister and Brother in Christ, together giving glory to God?