Bush a true role model

Barbara Bush was an unwavering matriarch with a sharp wit and practical wisdom. We need look no further than her 1990 commencement address at Wellesley College. Though there was initially some consternation at the school that the speaker was not a woman with a professional career, Bush went to work on the podium and it quickly became clear that the audience was in the presence of a true alpha female.

“We are in a transitional period right now — fascinating and exhilarating times, learning to adjust to changes and the choices we — men and women — are facing. As an example, I remember what a friend said on hearing her husband complain to his buddies that he had to babysit. Quickly setting him straight, my friend told her husband that when it’s your own kids, it’s not called babysitting.” She wasn’t done.

“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 declared, perfectly setting up the next line, “and I wish him well.” The crowd roared.

The first lady spoke not only of empowerment and leadership, but also the importance and priority of family over all else — a passage that was prescient in the realities of today’s political climate.

“But whatever the era, whatever the times, one thing will never change: Fathers and mothers, if you have children, they must come first. 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.”

Bush lived more life than just about anyone. She enjoyed more joy and endured more pain than most, but she was solid as a rock.

During her long life in service to her family and as a champion for literacy she employed her skills and attributes with great success. No one doubts that wherever she chose to devote herself, she would have achieved limitless success.

We should celebrate Barbara Bush for her dedication to her family and as a positive model for our own.