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Houston parents share 41's letter to them after son's death

"He was very special…He wrote us a note too. He had a lost a child too, so he understood that part."

One of President Bush’s strongest legacies is his school of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M. It is designed to prepare young people for a life in public service.

A Houston family who was unable to send their child to the graduate school, now makes it possible for others to attend.

RELATED: Remembering George H.W. Bush

In 2010, the Branisas lost their 14-year-old son Michael Ryan in a hiking accident. The Memorial High School student was deeply interested in politics, Texas A&M and George H.W. Bush.

Father Mickey Branisa remembers, “About a month before he passed away, he went to the Bush School and the library in particular, and he had just a fascination of the man.”

Ryan and the family have been active in charity and church work, going abroad on mission trips. “Our whole family has liked Bush 41, his Thousand Points of Light and attention to public service.” said Mickey Branisa.

The family set up a scholarship in Ryan’s name at the Bush School. We asked for an interview with Mr. Bush about that and his life. The 41st president kindly said “yes” and that provided an opportunity for the Branisas to meet Mr. Bush. Six years later, that meeting remains an emotional memory.

Mother Susan Branisa fought back tears, saying “He was very special…He wrote us a note too. He had a lost a child too, so he understood that part.”

Afterward both President Bush and then Bush School’s Dean Ryan Crocker sent gracious letters.

In 41's letter, dated July 7, 2010, he wrote: "Dear Mickey and Susan, I am very sorry for the loss of your son. Michael sounds like an incredible young man who must have brought you much joy and pride in his short, but very full life.

Needless to say, I am very touched that one of Michael's dreams was to attend the George Bush School of Government and Public Service. Your decision to honor his memory by endowing a scholarship in his name undoubtedly will help future students realize a similar goal. It's a wonderful and generous way to make sure your son's dream stays alive forever, and I promise the School will not let you, or Michael, down.

Barbara and I certainly will keep your family in our prayers during this difficult time. All the best, George Bush."

Just last year, Mickey Branisa biked 3800 miles across the country from Portland, Oregon to Portland, Maine. The trip raised an additional $50,000 dollars for the scholarship and awareness of public service. The endowment now stands at $300,000. Click here if you’d like to donate.

The Bush School is particularly proud that every student is offered financial aid.

70% of Bush school graduates go immediately into public service. President Bush considered it, “a noble calling”. His life was a remarkable example of that calling.

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