In Memoriam of First Lady Barbara Bush 1925-2018

Literacy is an important issue for ESL teachers.

Barbara Bush by David Valdez, White House Photo Office

I was saddened to hear that Barbara Bush passed away yesterday. Barbara Bush was a champion for literacy. She was responsible for helping to pass the National Literacy Act of 1991. She started a foundation to promote literacy which you can access here.

I met her personally during a fund raiser at a Women's literacy club in Naples Florida. I was a news cameraman covering the event.. When it came time for our interview she leaned over to me and asked, "May I give you some advice in a motherly way?"

"Sure, of course!" I replied.

"You had better close the barn door before the horse gets out."

I had forgotten to zip up my pants.

- Dan

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American English Dan

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