Right now, the United State of America is in mourning. We have lost a senior statesman, a former President, a true-blue American hero. And we all have our reasons for mourning this man that some absolutely loved while he was in office while others couldn’t stand him and the job that he did. But we mourn just the same.
Also, right now, the town of Fancy Farm is in mourning. We have a lost a senior member, a matriarch, a true-blue American hero. And we all have our reasons for mourning this woman who was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, cousin. Many of our community had the privilege of calling her Mom, Sis, Aunt, while others just called her Miss Mabel. We mourn her just the same.
Two people who had never met. But they had so much in common it’s pretty scary.
They were both 94 years old. That means that they lived through the depression, the 2nd world war, the Korean War, the war in Vietnam, and all kinds of military conflicts all around the world. They raised baby boomers and went from a time where no one had a phone in their home to a time when no one has a phone in their home because they all have cell phones. They went through the birth of radio, the birth of TV, the birth of the internet. They lived through 16 presidents, including 2 Bush presidencies.
There are those who have described President Bush (41) this week as compassionate, respectful, fair-minded, dignified, gracious, a true gentleman. In describing Miss Mabel you could use many of those terms. But let’s add to both: kind, gentle, strong, a class-act. I heard James Baker describe the President as competitive. I would say that was true about Miss Mabel. Most describe the president as a man who loved his family. Well, I guess that’s one that Miss Mabel would match him toe-for-toe.
President Bush had 6 children, 4 of whom were boys. Miss Mabel had 4 boys. President Bush had 14 grandchildren. Miss Mabel had 10 grandchildren. President Bush had 8 great-grandchildren. Miss Mabel had 13 great-grandchildren. President Bush once said that he would consider his life to be a success if his children took the time to visit. Miss Mabel had all of her children living in an area a stone’s throw from each other. They were all right there. I’m sure she liked that as the years moved on, just so she could keep her eye on them. Some of her grandchildren have grown up and moved away, although they seem to be making their way back to the area, close to their family.
President Bush lost his rock, Barbara, a mere 8 months ago. Miss Mabel lost her rock, CV, 10 years ago. The difference, I think, is that Mr. Bush could not live without his wife. Mabel could live without CV. She had her sons and quite honestly, she probably enjoyed being able to take the lead in a few ways. CV was a strong-willed man. Miss Mabel, like Barbara Bush, was a strong-willed woman. But I’ll bet you money that Mabel referred to him on more than one occasion. I’m sure she let him take the lead in making decisions that affected how they would raise their sons. I’m sure she let him know many times what she thought, but I’ll bet that that she allowed him to make the final call. On the contrary, I’m sure that Barbara made a lot of decisions on how her children were raised and how their home would be. George relied on her for a lot of that, I’m sure, because of his public service both in the military and in government. I’m sure that he was lost without her, as CV would have been without Mabel. I always like how strong women remain to finish the job. I’d say that both President Bush and Miss Mabel did finish the job. They have both left a dynasty that will remain for years to come, both in the United States, and in Fancy Farm.
I mentioned earlier that President Bush was a gentleman. I believe that to be true. But Miss Mabel was the definition of a lady. She had charm and grace and dignity. She demanded respect from her children, but also from all who encountered her. She truly enjoyed interacting with people, getting to know those in her community. The impact of their service to our country and to our community will last for generations.
Rest In Peace. You’ve earned it. Both of you.