This past week, I must admit, I was SO enlightened and actually mesmerized by learning President George H.W. Bush’s (Bush 41) history as he was memorialized following his recent death.
Even though I served under this great leader as a senior nurse in the USAF, in hindsight, it seems I did not know my Commander in Chief very well at all. I do recall during that period prior to the first Gulf War, my family and I were headed for an Okinawa Japan assignment. I was sent to a Battlefield Nursing course prior to relocating–which made it all feel way too real. However, thankfully, as it turned out, that part of the Gulf War was fairly short lived, so at that point we admittedly breathed a heavy sigh of relief.
While learning more about this WWII hero’s life, the highlights for me were his ethical, humble, family and country-driven servant’s heart–wow, that was a mouth-full, however, he embodied it all so well!
The phrase “a thousand points of light” was popularized by this President Bush–a term used in his speech accepting the presidential nomination at the 1988 Republican National Convention. The address compared America’s clubs and volunteer organizations to “a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky”–what a beautiful vision!
He repeated the phrase in his inaugural address on January 20, 1989:
“I have spoken of a thousand points of light, of all the community organizations that are spread like stars throughout the Nation, doing good. The old ideas are new again because they are not old, they are timeless: duty, sacrifice, commitment, and a patriotism that finds its expression in taking part and pitching in.”
And those thousand points of light actually included compassion and forgiveness as exhibited by his leaving a welcoming note for his successor, Bill Clinton.
Although it’s customary for departing presidents to write a letter to the incoming commander in chief, Clinton was–and remains–very touched by the supportive words Bush wrote in a letter after losing the presidential election to him:
“Dear Bill,” the letter begins. “When I walked into this office just now I felt the same sense of wonder and respect that I felt four years ago. I know you will feel that, too. I wish you great happiness here. I never felt the loneliness some Presidents have described.”
Offering up some advice, Bush continued: “There will be very tough times, made even more difficult by criticism you may not think is fair. I’m not a very good one to give advice; but just don’t let the critics discourage you or push you off course.”
Without making any mention of their differing political opinions, the Republican wished his Democratic successor the best of luck.
“You will be our President when you read this note. I wish you well. I wish your family well. Your success now is our country’s success. I am rooting hard for you,” he wrote.
In addition, here’s another heart-felt statement of his: “Hatred corrodes the container that its carried in”–and who needs corrosion?
Recently, Oprah offered a compelling thought: “what if we were able to see our whole life differently–from the 35,000 foot view? What if we could see everything we’ve been through, everything we’ve stood up to, every time we’ve fallen and rebounded, every curve ball we were thrown and caught? Every time we were disappointed and didn’t stoop to despair. Every victory, every chance. And appreciate the fact that we’re still here, still standing, still striving for a better life.
Let’s give ourselves a round of applause for making it this far. And then let’s see ourselves as part of the whole of this planet.
What gifts can we offer?
What was our reason for coming?
And she concluded, what I know for sure: the answers keep unfolding as our life expands, if we are willing to see things for what they are–and what they can be.”
I’m always SO thankful for positive, compassionate spirits in our lives…thank you for your ongoing inspiration, President Bush–may we be one of those thousand points of light!