A Close Encounter With Our President

Personal Email | March 3, 2004 | Laura Lefler

[n-tres-ted]

This is from Laura Lefler:

I'm at the 8:00am service at my church, St. John's Episcopal, at Lafayette Square, across from the White House. (I wanted to go early because I was going with Alice and Brent for breakfast at the Cracker Barrel in Manassas.)

Much of the service was uneventful--nice, but uneventful--until it comes to the part of the service when the priest says, "Greet one another in the name of the Lord." I turn to my right to exchange the peace with my friend, Amy Fox Smythe, who was was on the other end of my pew. I then shake hands with the person in front of me, and turn around to say hello to the person behind me.

The person behind me was our 43rd President George W. Bush. I am not kidding. A small crowd was forming around him, and not wanting to delay the church service or bother him by waiting to shake his hand, I turned back around and sat down and talked to Amy. About 30 seconds later I felt a hand on my left shoulder and turn around to see President Bush with his hand extended. "Peace of the Lord, " he said and held my hand with both of his. "Peace of the Lord," I replied, and held both his hands and smiled at him.

I turned back around and was remarkably calm about the fact that the most powerful person in the world was sitting two feet behind me. I could hear him flipping through his bulletin as the priest made the announcements. I loved the idea of him thinking, "Oh, there's a covered dish next Sunday."

We perched and when I stood up to go to the communion rail, he got up and walked down the aisle behindme. We passed a little old lady who said, "Mr. President, I pray for you every day." To which he said, "That's a very special gift. Thank you so much."

We got to the communion rail and there were two spaces, one in front of us and one around the side of the altar. We both surmised for ten seconds and then I started off around the corner. He stopped me and whispered, "No, no. I'll go around" and motioned for me to take the closer spot.

The only exception made in the entire service was that the President was allowed to leave first and then the rest of the congregation followed.

With all sincerity, and partisanship aside I tell you: This is a special man! There is a peace and a Godliness about him. It radiates from him. It is the only reason that I was able to remain calm. It was more than the adrenaline I've felt when I've met other famous people. A goodness flows through this man. He has more than my vote in November. He has my respect, my prayers, and my gratitude. Whatever your political affiliation, and whether or not you agree with his decisions, you should take comfort in the fact that--despite recent press attacks--this is a man of integrity who makes decisions because he believes that are RIGHT, not popular. He makes these decisions with a heavy heart and through prayer.

I don't mean to go on, and on, but I truly believe this was a blessing from God that should be passed on.

Laura Lefler Office of Senator Lamar Alexander 302 Hart Senate Office Building 202-224-4944 fax: 202-228-3398

[n-tres-ted]

This is very personal, but at the same time LL believes the message is so important it should be passed on. I agree, and I hope she won't mind my posting her identification.

[jwalburg]

Cool

[nopardons]

What an amazing note,you got. Thanks for posting it to FR.

[cyborg]

Something nice for a change :)

[nopardons]

Yes....... :-)

[LiteKeeper]

SPOTREP - An Encounter with a Good Man

[Think free or die]

Wow! What a great experience. I'm glad she shared it.

As a very private person, I can't imagine living in the public eye. Even attending a church service is noted and reported upon. I'd have a very hard time living like that every day. Public service involves sacrifices large and small.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

It will take a man like this in the Oval Office if our country is to have even half a chance against the rising tide of evil that confronts us today. Say what you will about the politics... but morally...we need George where he is.

I say, repeal the 22nd Amendment. Now.

[Cicero]

Thanks for this wonderful story.

[Old Sarge]

PING to a REALLY nice article about the President.

[SwinneySwitch]

3rd time I've seen this. Sent an e-mail off to Sen. Alexander's office this morning. Will let you know if and when I hear back from them.

Doubting Didymus

[Lazamataz]

I'm not sure how you got so close to the President without the Secret Service checking you for bombs, guns, knives, biological or chemical agents.

Now, hey, I don't wanna be a skeptic, but no way this is ringing true to me.

You don't just turn around and there's the President. That doesn't happen. Not with a War on Terror going on.

[Lazamataz]

I mean, if it IS true -- which I am doubting -- then I want to see the ENTIRE Secret Service overhauled. WTF is someone doing close to our President without at least having been checked for guns??!?

[moyden2000]

I read somewhere that this is an urban legend.

[Howlin]

Ping me when you find out, please.

[Happygal]

Aren't we supposed to be getting married?

Or did I dream that somewhere *LOL*

[lizma]

Today in the mail I received a picture of George and Laura with a note at the bottom addressed to me, thanking me for working on his last campaign and "signed" by him and Laura. It had me in a tizzy all day.

If I were ever to turn around and see him next to me in church, I'd probably faint straight away! (I've read that Renquist is a member of my church. Haven't spotted him yet.)

[sport]

His integrity and principles is why the mainstream media hate him so.

If he was a degenerate and pervert like bill clinton the mainstream media would love him.

He values his freedom and respects the principles that made this nation great.

If he only lusted for power and control over others, hated the periciples that made this nation great, and worshipped the u.n. like john kerry and the democrats the mainstream media would worship him.

[Lazamataz]

Aren't we supposed to be getting married?

Of course we are.

I'm always looking for the future Ex-Mrs.-Laz.

Or as I like to put it: Mrs. Ex-Laz.

[Happygal]

Great!
Well, we'll marry as soon as you can afford the alimony payments! *S*

Deal? *L*