Posted on 11/03/2004 4:46:40 PM PST by flutters
President Calls Man After Wife's Death
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- It was an all-out push to the finish for President George W. Bush during the 2004 campaign, but in the middle of the battle, a single phone call placed by the president made all the difference for a Columbus-area man, NBC 4's Holly Hollingsworth reported.
Karry Ellis, an assistant chief for the Columbus Division of Fire, is grieving the loss of his wife to cancer, but he said the nation's returning commander in chief found time late in his campaign to show compassion.
Two week ago, Ellis' wife, Martha, passed away after a six-year battle with breast cancer .
"She just took two real slow, deep breaths, and I just screamed, 'Sweetheart, I love you!' " Ellis said. "And she just kind of raised up and said, 'I love you.' And that was it. She was gone."
During a Bush campaign visit a couple of months ago, Ellis managed to meet the president and told him about his wife's diagnosis. The president and first lady sent notes and even called Ellis' wife on the phone.
"And she said, 'Oh my God, I can't believe you're calling me,' " Ellis said. "And she said she said that a couple of times. And he said, 'Well, I just met Karry down at Nationwide Arena and he told me about your battles. I just wanted to let you know that Laura and I will be praying for you every night.' "
When the president made his last-ditch campaign swings through Ohio late last week, he learned of Martha Ellis' death. Just before boarding Air Force One to leave Columbus last Saturday, he took a moment to make a call. Karry Ellis picked up just as the answering machine clicked on.
"I want you to know our prayers are with you," Bush told Ellis as the answering machine was recording. "And I remember when you talked about her, you talked with such passion and love, that I know you're hurting right now. (She was a beautiful woman, Mr. President.) I know it."
Ellis said that when he listens to the president's words, he said he knows they come from the heart.
Ellis said that several of his friends and neighbors voted for Bush based simply on the kindness he showed to the Ellis family.
Ellis said he feels that compassion is one of the most important traits a leader can possess.
Martha and Karry Ellis
What a great story. Mr. Ellis is in my prayers and God Bless our President.
Ladies and Gentlemen.. this is the leader we have selected for this nation. Be thankful. I know I am.
You will never heard about this story from the MSM - ever... but it has impacted Mr. Ellis for a lifetime, which is what matters most.
It certainy shows what a genuine, caring individual President Bush is.
Rest In Peace Martha Ellis.
Thank you God for watching over our nation and providing us with the needed leadership. Amen.
The true measure of a man is how he treats people who cannot help him. President Bush is the real thing. The busiest man on earth is not too busy to help put a little sunshine into someone's life who is really hurting. What a story! What a man!
{suppressing a strange watery substance welling in my eyes...}
This story brought tears to my eyes.
What a compassionate man we have to lead this country. I'm so thankful he was re-elected.
The sadness in my heart is tempered by the knowledge I voted for a man who has been called a moron yet he remembers the name of a person he met once and called to offer comfort. "Nucular" pales by comparison.
God bless our troops wherever they may be.
And God bless and keep the 43rd President of the United States, George Walker Bush. He is one of a kind.
What are you talking about???
I've been told - time and time again - that Bush is EVIL and JUST LIKE HITLER!!!
/sarcasm
This is a beautiful story. I'm certain that someone could compile a book with real-life stories of the compassion of GWB.
BIG DITTOS to your sentiments, tears and all.
Just awesome...thank you Ohio.
Good thought...brings tears ........Thanks.
. . . what an incredibly touching story and what an incredibly compassionate president -- FOUR MORE YEARS!
God bless GW Bush & the Ellis family. If there is a stereotypical American, then President Bush is one.
Thanks for posting this.
Wow...
This is just amazing. Thank God we have a president who is a human being, who remembers those who are hurting, and doesn't do things for mere political gain.
We have heard similar stories from families who have lost their kids in Iraq, and how the President and his wife were so gracious, crying with them and caring for them.
I thank God for this man and his bride!
Ashley's Story was a real tear jerker also. It was a very simple story, that involved a kind jesture from the President, yet it touched my heart deeply and profoundly.
bump
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