Watching tonight, I realize how much I will miss this man. The 2000 election was the first time I remember being truly interested and engaged in politics, and I was greatly inspired by George W. Bush, despite the cloud of criticism and inauthenticity liberals in the media projected onto those first months of 2001.
I remember 9/11 vividly and with great sadness. Then I remember seeing President Bush climb to the top of that rubble where the towers stood in Manhattan, grab the bullhorn, and speak those words that, for a moment, made us realize that this would be a moment Americans would overcome. I was so young, and perhaps that’s why I was so impressionable, but my it had a very deep impact on me and, I imagine, a great deal of Americans. It’s hard to discern what you remember from the moment when you see the video so frequently after the fact, but I remember how I felt when I saw it. I remember what it meant to me, as an American. I remember looking to the president not as a patrician to take care of us and to make us feel better, but to lead us in our quest as Americans, the standard bearers of freedom and tolerance and liberty in the world.
Perhaps these days I should have a sense of irony about the Bush presidency. To someone surveying the situation today, it would seem Bush failed. I don’t think even the most die-hard Bush supporters have some sort of major policy disagreement with the man. I know mine begin with immigration and federal spending. But, hearing this address tonight, I am reminded that while President Bush may have been wrong on any number of issues, his convictions are solid and his love for his country is unwavering. I believe it’s this love of country from where he derives his beliefs. That’s admirable.
In the end, the government under George W. Bush succeeded in its most important role: since 2001, we have been kept safe at home, able to go about our lives. We go to school or to work, we spend time with our families and friends, we worship in peace; we go to sports games, see movies, volunteer for others, pursue our own understanding of happiness. We are the luckiest people in the world, and other people hate us for it. They are willing to kill us over it. After 9/11, George W. Bush refused to allow that to happen on our soil again. We owe so much, and I am ever grateful.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Draper from the hill
Its too warm for socks, cuz of the hormone thing!
on the way to the mall
Oh yeah, Taco Bell in the snow..this is for me and Patti!!
out the kitchen window
out the living room window
from the front porch
icicles from the xmas lights!
The Hartys
Hartys and GM Ida
Bethany and GM Ida
Bethany ready to travel
Me and Beth
Tom in his glory. . and shrinkwrap
Eme and the Elders
Eme and Taylor
Eme and Joe
Food storage and the start of the fun!
Cots waiting to be packed
Shrinkwrap!! Who knew? ?? It was the highlight of the whole thing for me!! it was a kick to wrap that trailor..this is Bethany taking a turn...its harder than it looks, cuz there's a tension control on the handle, and it needs to be tight to wrap good...so its a good work out!
almost there
The finished product!!
I love these sauce packets. . I NEVER eat them, but love the sayings..ha!
Aunt Shirley and GM Ida
Tom, Bethany's 9yr. old, and I had and Elvis birthday party!! We watched a special on his life and music and then blogged and listened him on Utube. HA, it was the best!!
Ya just gotta love him!! 
Taylor
Eugene Airport
Tay and Eme and Joe
