How We Beat the Blues by George and Barbara Bush

George: When I get down in the dumps I talk back to the TV set. I have even sworn at the TV set and yelled at the bubblehead on TV with whom I do not agree. It hurts a lot more when our son, the president, is attacked than when I used to be in the crosshairs. I expect it is of no lasting benefit when I shout at the TV, but it sure feels good at the time.

Barbara: I do not get down in the dumps because I refuse to watch TV when the president (current and even past) is criticized. I tune out, and go about walking our dog Sadie, or working on one of my many reading projects. I understand "this too shall pass." I have many blessings to count about family, and I refuse to let critics, be they politcal or journalists, get me down.

George: Speaking of "beating the blues," my mother always told me, "George, don't get down in the dumps." I never understood what "the dumps" were, but when, at age twelve, I'd lose an important match, and even later in life when I'd lose an important election, I remembered Mum's advice. "Keep your chin up. Set an example for others. Don't blame anyone else for your own shortcomings. And when you win, remember the guy you beat. Don't gloat or be arrogant. He will be hurting, so be kind." Even when I was president, I remembered her valuable advice.

Barbara: I guess the hardest thing for me was way back in the early fifties, when our little four-year-old daughter died of leukemia. I was devestated, as was George. I sat by her bed and watched her suffer. Then, I watched her at peace as she went to heaven. I found that prayer helped enormously. I always wondered why our lovely, innocent four-year-old was taken off to heaven so early in her life. But prayer helped me understand God's will. Prayer lifted me up and helped me get on with the life that has been so fulfilling for both George and me.