Never had I felt an affinity with George and Barbara Bush until the recent passing of George H.W. Bush. I have more respect for him as a man and as a human being after learning of his service to his nation in WWII as a very young pilot, his devotion and fidelity to his wife, and his integrity, decency, and sense of duty as a US president. I only learned recently we had belonged to the same club because we were both bereaved parents. I was deeply moved by George Bush's eulogy on his father and when he mentioned his long departed sister, Robin, who had died of Leukemia at the age of three. Even though almost seven decades had passed since her death, Robin was still remembered and missed. It has been apparent in the remarks made this week by the Bush family that Robin's parents had never forgotten her, even after the passage of so many years. In his eulogy, George Bush hoped his father had joined his wife and was finally reunited with his beloved eldest daughter.
The manner in which the Bush family had revived the memory of Robin and the sorrow of Barbara and George in losing her over sixty five years ago, validated my strong belief in the fact that one never recovers from the loss of a child. Although Barbara and George were lucky to have many more children and grandchildren, but no one had ever replaced their Robin and their sorrow lived in their hearts for all these years, no matter where life took them, even at the White House.
The mention of Robin on national stage today was a testimony to the unconditional and everlasting love of parents towards their offspring and the eternal and undying sorrow at the loss of one. I felt vindicated today for always wearing black on Tuesdays in Shahdi's memory, for displaying many pictures of my departed daughter at home and at my office, for including her in my conversations, and for hoping that someday I will be able to reunite with her. Just as the Bush family hoped Robin had rushed to Barbara's arms in the other realm seven months ago, I hope when my time comes, the first soul I encounter and embrace would be Shahdi's.
If I am fortunate enough to be offered an eulogy after my passing, I hope my ardent desire to be reunited with my beloved daughter is clearly emphasized.
