Last week for me was just chaos. There really is no
other way to say it. I was so beyond busy, I was a mess. Graduate school work
was intense and I worked a couple doubles on top of it. Just when I would catch
my breath, someone else was asking something of me. Unfortunately, I didn’t get
to everyone and everything. Some understood, some didn’t. Fortunately, I was
reminded of just how amazing people can be by a few very Laura Bush-ish
actions.
Two of my friends always want my presence at a
weekly event, but it isn’t always possible. I have to pick and choose when I
can make it, and when I just can’t. Both are understanding, but they still want
me there. Well, last week everything lined up and I was able to spend a few
hours with them. When I met them I told them I wasn’t sure how long I could
stay, and the response was so Laura Bush. They told me, “we just want to see
you, doesn’t matter for how long.” It made me happy inside. They both know how
busy I am and are appreciative of any effort. To them it wasn’t the amount of
time we were together, all that mattered was that we were together. Both know
it won’t always be this way, and for that I thank them. I think Laura Bush
would approve.
Later the same week, I had to tell someone that I
just didn’t have the time they deserved. It is hard living the starving artist
life, and for the next two years it is most likely not going to get better.
It just wasn’t fair to them, or me. I felt guilty for my lack of time and it
was a strain on both of us. After I said what I needed to say, the response was
one of compassion and understanding. The final response was, “it’s worth the
wait.” A situation that could have gotten ugly didn’t. It could have easily
gotten childish, easily placed blame and pointed fingers, but that never
happened. The high road was taken, and for that I will always cherish the time.
Plus, who doesn’t want to hear they are worth it? Taking the high road, now
that just screams Laura Bush.
A close friend of mine experienced an illness in
their family recently. As scary as the event was for them, watching our friends
rally around them was truly moving. It didn’t matter what any of us had to do
that day, weekend, or month, we were there for them. Not that my friends are
not a caring group, but watching how everyone rallies around each other
reminded me why I choose to spend my little free time with these people. All of
them have a little Laura Bush in them. They show kindness above all else.
I don’t know Taylor Swift personally, but the more I
learn of her, the more I respect her. As I have written before, I get her and believe
in her honesty. I still don’t really love her music, but I dig her. Anyway, she
was on the cover of my Rolling Stone magazine recently and I was impressed with
her class in the photos. The photos were of her at the beach wearing jeans and
a white tank top. Being a white shirt, in the water, the photos could have been
completely trashy (Rolling Stone has been known to go that route), but they
weren’t. You never saw too much of her. You never saw anything you wouldn’t want
her young fan base to see. She showed the world that you can be beautiful without
being cheap. Well done Miss Swift. I think Laura Bush would approve.
So remember to take a look around, you will see
Laura Bush in everyone. Essentially meaning, you will see kindness everywhere.
And when faced with a situation that isn’t showing Laura Bush, stop and simply
ask, what would Laura Bush do?
Editor’s Note: If you think Huey Lewis & The
News needs explaining, stop and give it another listen. Or just watch Back to
the Future.
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