When former First Lady Barbara Bush celebrated her 90th birthday back in 2016, her kids, including George W. Bush, came together to write essays about the life lessons their mom imparted to them. Now, years later, those touching stories are being shared with the world in her posthumously released book, Pearls of Wisdom: Little Pieces of Advice.
This heartfelt memoir gathers personal stories written by Barbara’s family and friends. In the book, her famous children reminisce about their favorite moments with their mom. George W., in particular, shares how his mom taught him and his five siblings the importance of living life to the fullest, loving deeply, and laughing often.
George W. Bush Reflects on His Mom’s Playful Spirit
In the book, George, now 73, writes about how his mom taught him to find joy in life, appreciate humor, and engage in witty banter. “Mom taught me how to laugh, how to see irony, how to verbally joust,” he fondly recalls. He also mentions a doormat in their Houston home that read, “Birds fly high because they take themselves lightly.” This simple message perfectly encapsulated Barbara's approach to life—she took her responsibilities seriously, especially her role as First Lady, but she never let herself get too weighed down by it all.
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Lessons in Parenthood from Barbara Bush
George’s brothers—Jeb Bush, Neil Bush, and Marvin Bush—also contributed their own reflections on their mother's influence. They credited her with teaching them how to be better parents themselves. “Mom has taught me to be a better parent, a better person, and a better citizen,” Neil wrote with warmth and gratitude. Meanwhile, George’s sister Dorothy Koch shared that she feels even more proud to call Barbara Bush her mom. It’s these kinds of heartfelt words that make the book so special.
When Barbara passed away in 2018 at the age of 92, George released a touching statement celebrating her remarkable life. “Barbara Bush was a fabulous First Lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love, and literacy to millions,” he said. To her family, though, she was so much more. “Mom kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end. I’m a lucky man that Barbara Bush was my mother,” George added.
