To the Editor:
Barbara Pierce Bush has held a special place in the hearts and minds of residents of Greenwich.
She was raised in nearby Rye, N.Y. and met her future husband at The Round Hill Club at a Christmas Dance in 1941, at the age of 16. Through a love built mostly by correspondence since George H.W. Bush served his country in WWII, they became engaged and then married in Jan. 1945, after George was released from service.
Barbara gave up her studies at Smith College to go with her husband to New Haven so he could attend Yale. She said, at the time, that she had no idea where her life would lead, but obviously she loved her husband and in the tradition of their time, followed his lead.
We learned of Barbara’s decision to stop medical care and go home a few days before she passed on from this earth. We also learned of the incredible strength of her Faith in God, and that of her very close family.
In an interview the morning after Barbara passed, George spoke of her faith in God and her soul, and that helped him have faith in his own soul.
It is fitting that the lessons from Barbara’s end of life decisions came at the time of Spring, Passover and Easter. Spring is a season of growth and renewal. A season of religious celebration. This year, the beginning of Passover and the season of Easter coincided on the same weekend. While the season of Spring is delayed, we are confident it will not be denied.
Passover commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery; Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. Both are joyous seasons when we can be reminded to look forward and celebrate that which is good.
The passing of Barbara Pierce gave us lessons in how to celebrate and be thankful for life, especially on lived with the fullness of a great lady. We thank Barbara and her family for the great lessons learned in the last few weeks, and indeed years.
Unfortunately the passing of significant figures can bring out the worst in people. From the California professor who labeled her racist, to an encounter in a local pub, some took the opportunity to rail against the family. Many of us were taught that if your cannot say something nice, then don’t say anything at all. God gave us two ears, and one mouth, and best to use them in proportion.
Harry Fisher
Greenwich
