Pearls of Wisdom

It doesn't matter what political party you align yourself with, you can't help but like Barbara Bush. With her typical attire of pearls and classic blue or red dresses, the former first lady – who died yesterday – just looked like everyone's grandma. And she had the wit and wisdom to match.

At least when I saw her some 13 or 14 years ago.

I was an editor on some arts and crafts magazines at the time, attending a big trade show and conference in Dallas. She was our keynote speaker. Typically, our magazine staff could meet the keynote but even 10 years out of office, there was too much Secret Service red tape. So we couldn't shake her hand, but could sit up close and hear her speech.

Why would she speak at an arts and crafts industry event? For much the same reason Henry Winkler (who I did meet) did a year later: dyslexia.

Ms. Bush took an interest in literacy issues after her son Neil was diagnosed with dyslexia and began working with several different literacy organizations. Eventually, she helped develop the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.

She and Winkler both spoke about about the benefits of hands-on learning. Even learning a craft that is not related to reading can boost a child's confidence. They'll discover they aren't stupid, they just learn differently.

And, she spoke because she was a crafter, too, preferring needlepoint.

She took up needlepoint when her husband entered politics. She attended all of his speeches and said she used needlepoint to counter the boredom of hearing the same speech over and over. Her most famous project was a 10-foot by 14-foot needlepoint rug that took eight years to finish.

The gist of her speech (which of course I wrote about for the magazine) was seven elements to a quality life:

1. "We're never too old to learn. Learning is a life-long journey."

2. "Most of us go to our grave with our music still inside us. Don't let that happen to you."

3. "Never ask anyone 70 or older how they feel."

4. "We must remember what's truly important: faith, family, and friends – and tolerance. Learn to enjoy the differences in people."

5. "Don't forget to spend quality time with your children and grandchildren. They are our most important job."

6. "Quality time should include reading to your kids."

7. "Never in our history has it been more important to be a good neighbor. Community involvement is critical. All of us need to find a way to make a difference."

She was interesting and very entertaining to listen to. Great stories about the famous Bush family plus funny and insightful one-liners. She could have been one of the Golden Girls! I feel privileged I had the opportunity to almost meet her.

She was a class act, in my opinion. Just sort of forgot about seeing her in person until now, when she's gone.

I guess that kiss from The Fonz – the following year – can do that to a girl.

Rest in peace, madam.