31st Anniversary! November 5, 2008
Who could have predicted that when Joe and Jan O’Neill invited their two single friends, George Walker Bush and Laura Lane Welch to a backyard barbecue in the summer of 1977 their efforts at matchmaking would end up making history? Who would have known the couple would not only be attracted to each other, but that sparks would fly and ignite so quickly into flames, that they would marry in a mere three months? And who could ever have imagined that eventually God would lead this same young couple to become the President and First Lady of the greatest country on earth.
George W. was admittedly “smitten” by the lovely young Laura. He said that she was “gorgeous, good – humored, quick to laugh, down – to – earth, and very smart.” Laura thought that young George was “kind of cute, and funny” and liked how he made her laugh. Though they were opposites in personality – - he outgoing and sometimes outrageous, athletic and from a boisterous, energetic family, and she a calm, quiet and thoughtful reader, and beloved only child – - they found they shared the same beliefs and values – - ” West Texas ” values of an individual’s worth and of personal responsibility. They discovered they had common interests – - they both loved to read and spend time with friends. They fell so quickly in love that they married on November 5, 1977. According to Laura,” It was a small wedding, just about 75 people. It was in the church I’d been baptized in as a baby. So it was really a wonderful way to start a new marriage.”
That was thirty – one years ago, and we are here to celebrate the 31st anniversary of a most amazing couple – - George and Laura Bush!
Their marriage began with a honeymoon in Mexico , followed by a congressional campaign trip throughout Texas . It wasn’t politically successful, but both have said it was a good way to start their marriage because they got to spend every minute with each other and loved it. Rumor is, they still do!
After years of trying to have the family they so desired, the Bushes became proud parents in November 1981, of lovely twin daughters, Jenna and Barbara, both named after their grandmothers. The family was deeply involved in church and community and in developing loving relationships with each other that have stood the test of time…through difficulties and triumphs, through a not too successful oil exploration venture, a very successful Texas Rangers baseball team, the Governorship of Texas , long and difficult campaigns, and finally to the White House as President, First Lady, and beautiful, mature and gracious first daughters of the United States of America .
The story of George and Laura Bush is a wonderful love story…..a song of delight and passion, humor and fidelity, steadfastness and grace. The President has said, “I saw an elegant beautiful woman who turned out not only to be elegant and beautiful, but very smart and willing to put up with my rough edges, and I must confess has smoothed them off over time.” There really aren’t that many couples who after 30 years display so openly their deep affection for one another – - in their embraces, kisses, whispers, playful pats from well – placed hands, touches, and looks that could melt the coldest heart. When they are together, they can be alone in a room full of people. They have allowed us to observe their love and to love them even more because of their adoration for each other, and even at times to be “twitter pated” and inspired by what we see in them…the intimacy, the trust, and even the passion of mature love.
The expressions on the President’s face tell the story!
One can easily see how much fun they have together and how much they enjoy each other’s company. The delightful interaction between them can erupt at any moment in time, and the joy of the Lord and enjoyment of each other radiates in their faces.
Observers have noted that when Laura walks into a room, her husband is visibly calmed, while she has said that he has brought excitement into her life. But above all, they provide for each other comfort and refuge in times of need. Laura has said, “We have a very sustaining relationship. It’s always been that way and we’re lucky to have that relationship.” George has said, “Laura brings me great comfort. It’s very helpful to know that in this wonderful job, that I am not alone.” And, “My wife is a rock.”
We can tell, Mr. President!
The President, ever more effusive in his manner, has declared what we have all come to understand: “Laura is a beautiful person, inside and out.” She is to him, “mi esposa…mi amore”… my wife, my love, and “the great love of my life.” And in moments when she needed assurance and encouragement, he has been known to say, “You look beautiful, babe!” What a gift it is to the leader of the free world to have a woman by his side who has covenanted to be with him always in love and support! Laura has observed that in politics you have many enemies, so it’s better if it’s not your spouse. It’s not difficult to see that these two are not enemies! In a rare unguarded moment when asked about the President’s appearance, Laura expressed that “After nearly 30 years of marriage, I still think the President is the most handsome man I know.”
….. Who can argue with that?
There is no obligatory political handholding between them…it is the hand-holding of lovers; of two people who communicate that love through touch. Even the kisses on campaign stages can be filled with passion, and the embraces intense and electric.
And, oh, the joy of seeing them holding each other close as they danced at the
Inaugural Balls, sometimes gazing lovingly, sometimes teasing, but always
enjoying the magical moment together!
What a blessing it has been for the past eight years to observe this exemplary relationship! It is so extraordinary and exciting, yet so normal ………. just like us, but not. This marvelous couple has been subjected to some of the ugliest abuse in the country’s history – false and vile rumors and unmitigated hatred – and yet they have endured with an abiding peace and joy. They have endured through the grace of God, through Jesus Christ, and because of their faith and prayer and the prayers of people all around the world who understand what a blessing God has given us in these two.
They have endured because of the love of family……. including those two lovely young ladies they brought up in faith and love……and the love of millions of Americans who see who they really are.
We have been privileged to see the mystery of marriage at work, where two are fused into one in body, soul and spirit, yet remain independent and individual. We have not seen the intimate conversations when day is done, nor the loving President bringing his beautiful wife coffee in bed each morning, but we have seen the outward manifestation of that precious inward relationship, and we have been honored to share in the gift they have given this country over the past nearly eight years.
President and Mrs. Bush…
In January 2009, the millions of us who love you will grieve that you will be leaving the public’s view, but we will rejoice with you that you will finally be able to be truly refreshed and renewed as you spend time at your beloved, peaceful Prairie Chapel Ranch, where you can take long, hand – holding walks around the ranch, talk endlessly with your very best friend, take romantic rides in your pickup truck (and maybe not have a Secret Service agent close enough to know what you’re doing!), and enjoy the scenic Texas view from your “favorite room” with its presidentially mandated king – sized bed!
Or you can enjoy your new home in Dallas as you begin your private life together again. There you can go to bed early, as you are wont to do, without having the very weight of the world on your shoulders, and just savor the company of the beloved mate whom God has graciously and lovingly given to you. How blessed you are…and how blessed we have been to have you leading us and providing such a wonderful example for us all! We will miss you more than words can say. This country will not fully realize what you have done for us until you are gone from public view, but some of us do understand what we have had, and we will mourn what we have lost when you are gone. We can never fully describe what you have meant to us, but know that we admire and respect you in a way that is inexpressible and rare. You have blessed and enriched our lives, and we will be forever thankful to God for loaning you to us for these past eight years.
Happy 31st Anniversary, President and Mrs. Bush!
Note: We just discovered that the author of above text is Lynnette Peffley of Ohio. She also collected and included these great photos. Lynnette, an adjunct college professor, is an active Republican woman who has worked in many campaigns. She and her husband are the parents of four grown children. The older daughter is a professor and the younger daughter is a college senior. Their oldest son is in DC currently studying Russian preparing to head abroad with the State Department. A younger son is now home from his second deployment in Iraq where he was awarded a Bronze Star. Many thanks to Lynnette for allowing us to post this beautiful tribute on our website. It was forwarded to us originally as an e-mail. We dressed it up a little and added some music, background and graphics. — January 19, 2009.
God Bless George and Laura Bush! History will record that GWB was indeed a great President of the highest character who loved and defended his country above and beyond the call of duty. Laura was the most loved of many great first ladies who also served her country well.
Bettye Chambers — January 17, 2009