HOUSTON – It was supposed to be a quick lunch break for four Landry’s employees to offer their final farewells to former first lady Barbara Bush.
Instead they were met with memories that will last a lifetime. In front of the stage at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church where Mrs. Bush’s casket lay was none other than former President George H.W. Bush, the 41st president and Mrs. Bush’s husband for 73 years.
For the four employees and hundreds of other guests who showed up at just the right time, all got the chance to personally meet Mr. Bush.
“That was such a great honor to shake his hand,” said Landry’s employee Marie Dagan.
Danny Green, another employee, had never met a president before and was awestruck by the moment.
“When I met him I was like, ‘Wow, I’m shaking the hands of a president,’” Green said.
Thousands arrived throughout the day Friday for a public viewing for Mrs. Bush, the last chance to say goodbye before her funeral Saturday and her burial at the George Bush Presidential Library in College Station.
But only a select few got to meet and shake hands with Mr. Bush.
“That meant a lot. It was an honor for me,” said Jhabba Washington, one of the Landry’s employees. “I feel like we were there to honor him and his family, and for him to do such a thing that really wasn’t required of him—that’s touching.”
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