George H.W. Bush's one bizarre gift that won his wife Barbara's heart
Former President George H.W. Bush was madly in love with his late wife Barbara for the entirety of their marriage which spanned over more than four decades. Just as a romance was brewing between the two after they met at a Christmas dance in Connecticut, they were soon separated as he was deployed during World War II and Barbara remained at home with her parents Rye, New York.
During this time, the couple kept in touch through letters that were brimmed with love and longing- these emotions never died even after they got married, started a family and moved to Washington. In many ways, Bush Sr. was perhaps grateful to have his wife by his side as he set out to materialize his political dreams, and he was never shy of showing his gratitude and love through gifts.
The former President reportedly bought several cow statues privately from local artists in Houston after his wife greatly appreciated the works being displayed all over Houston. According to People, Bush Sr had stacked his warehouse with colorful works but couldn't decide which bovine his wife would like. That's why he bought a blank one and it turned into Barbara's "most prized possession".
The outlet said the former First Lady converted it into a "family art project" by placing it on the lawn of the family's home in Kennebunkport, Maine. Years later, their 5 kids and 17 grandchildren decorated it with handprints and autographs. Each part of the cow is covered in some artistic expression by members of the Bush family.
Now, the colorful cow stands next to its little calf- perhaps for future generations of the Bush family. These artworks have found a place in the family's Walker’s Point compound in Maine. The Bush's former pastor Bonnie Steinroeder in Kennebunkport told People, "That statue was Barbara’s prized possession."
Barbara passed away on April 17 at the age of 92. Her funeral service was held on Saturday, April 21. Days after the service, the former president was hospitalized in Houston for sepsis. A statement from his office read, "President Bush was admitted to the Houston Methodist Hospital yesterday morning after contracting an infection that spread to his blood. He is responding to treatments and appears to be recovering. We will issue additional updates as events warrant."