We haven’t had time to read all of the hot takes on the passing of former President George H.W. Bush — we’ve been busy keeping an eye on Twitter. Fortunately for us, that’s where bestselling author Brad Meltzer chose to write about his time with the former president in one of the most touching threads we’ve seen.
We’ll let Meltzer take it from here:
THREAD FOR GEORGE HW BUSH
This is how I met President George H.W. Bush. He wrote me a fan later saying he loved one of my thrillers, and could I sign a copy? Of course, I sent him a book. When we finally met, pic.twitter.com/pB8MYPzY67— Brad Meltzer (@bradmeltzer) December 1, 2018
he spent the first ten minutes trying to convince my wife that he invented the phrase “You da Man.” She actually believed it — until Mrs. Bush started yelling: “Stop teasing the poor girl!” From there, I told him I was researching a book about the life of a former President.
— Brad Meltzer (@bradmeltzer) December 1, 2018
He quickly invited me to spend a week in Houston, with unprecedented access to him and Mrs. Bush. What did I learn? That he was one of the most decent and honorable people I’d ever encountered. He loved his family, loved his sports, and believed deeply in the power of service.
— Brad Meltzer (@bradmeltzer) December 1, 2018
I learned even more when I spoke to the Secret Service. Make no mistake, they don’t love everyone they protect. But President Bush? Over and over, they told the same story: That he always knew them by name, and always asked about their kids and families and hobbies.
— Brad Meltzer (@bradmeltzer) December 1, 2018
He was the most powerful man in the world, but he always took time to treat you like a human being. Especially today, that level of kindness and class is a rare thing. It never left him. Over the years, we had so many adventures and laughs. He invited me to a private lunch
— Brad Meltzer (@bradmeltzer) December 1, 2018
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upstairs in the White House, and showed us everything from the secret passages to the Lincoln bedroom. But one of my most cherished memories of him? When I asked him about his plane crashing in WWII.
— Brad Meltzer (@bradmeltzer) December 1, 2018
He was a 22-year-old pilot, yelling to his crew, signaling for them to bail out of the smoking plane. “Hit the silk! Hit the silk!“ He knew what would happen if they were captured: they’d be tortured and executed. The plane was a fireball, falling from the sky.
— Brad Meltzer (@bradmeltzer) December 1, 2018
Still, he was determined to save his crewmen, John Delaney and Ted White. As the plane was going down, he turned it purposely to take the air pressure off the crew’s door. He did that to give them a better chance to survive and get out first. When his parachute opened too early,
— Brad Meltzer (@bradmeltzer) December 1, 2018
George Bush’s head rammed into the bomber’s tail. When he landed, he was bleeding, vomiting, crying. He’d just survived a burning plane crash. His crewmates, despite all his actions, didn’t. Those crewmates didn’t just give their lives.
— Brad Meltzer (@bradmeltzer) December 1, 2018
They gave him a reason to appreciate living. It was a gift George Bush never forgot.
The last time I saw him was a few weeks back as we honored Mrs. Bush. I’ll save that story for another day.— Brad Meltzer (@bradmeltzer) December 1, 2018
But of all the photos I have with him, this is the one I love most, him grabbing my hand with all that strength. Still gets me every time. Oh, and right now? You know what Mrs Bush just said to him? “What took you so long?” Sir, you really were the Man. #RIPGeorgeBush pic.twitter.com/I5UmTyScII
— Brad Meltzer (@bradmeltzer) December 1, 2018
And speaking of the Secret Service, they put together a fantastic video in memory of “Timberwolf”:
The Secret Service sends our heartfelt condolences on the passing of Former President George H.W. Bush. Timberwolf, you defined patriotism and leadership throughout your life of service to this country and you will be sorely missed. pic.twitter.com/qof2DRNX0B
— U.S. Secret Service (@SecretService) December 1, 2018
Smiling thru my tears, reading and feeling all the feels from these precious special funny powerful memories …. we had the same thought that he is finally with his beloved Barbara again. Sending you a hug today from Houston as you process the loss of your dear friend.
— Geneva Smith (@GenevaSmith) December 1, 2018
Love you for this. Three class acts in this picture. So sorry for our loss.
— cgbauer (@cgbauer) December 1, 2018
What a wonderful memory to carry.
— Sean Roper (@MrSeanRoper) December 1, 2018
A rare glimpse into the man behind the President. Thank-you for sharing, Brad & I'm sorry for the loss of your friend.
— Linus O'Neil (@linusisonline) December 1, 2018
A little something in my collection to always see and remember him by… pic.twitter.com/W0YwbynNtP
— Christopher Lyons (@clyons376) December 1, 2018
@bradmeltzer thank you for this. I am so sorry, I know this loss is a deep and personal one for you.
— Jan Burke (@Jan_Burke) December 1, 2018
Grateful you shared this amazing story @bradmeltzer.
— Brian Tannebaum (@btannebaum) December 1, 2018
Amazing stories. Agree or not with his politics, he was a special human being. We need more like him these days. RIP Mr. President
— Brian (@loonayyy11) December 1, 2018
Dear Brad, I love your books but this will go down as the most beautiful work you've ever done. Thank you for this beautiful eulogy.
— Anne & Tom (@MannyOFay) December 1, 2018
Related:
Writer who addressed George H.W. Bush’s ‘Wimp Factor’ for Newsweek explains why he was wrong https://t.co/LsWnxfj11k
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) December 2, 2018
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