The only bit of critisim I have for GHWB and Barbara is the way in wich George had to find out about Robin's death.
Now, granted, he was only 7 years old I believe, but still, I think they should've told him right off that Robin was termanally ill and explianed that she was on her way to Heaven to be with God.
I think even a 7 yr old boy would be able to understand a little more
But to leave him with the illusion that his sister would be coming back was not a very wise idea.
I cried when I read about when Barbara Bush came back home and she and GHWB wnet to George's school to pick him up, he thought he saw Robin in the car with them only to find out she had died.
I neede to get that out.
I thin W should've been told the truth about Robin's condition so he could have at least have said goodbye to her.
Times were different then, Pippin. Kids weren't told about death, divorce...... anything that might hurt them.
I'm sure that George H.W. and Barbara were doing what they thought best..........and what most other parents would have done at the time.
I agree Pippin but unfortunately we have seen in the latter part of the 20th century death brushed under the carpet and only spoken about in hushed voices. In particular when there are children around.
Prior to that especially with the high mortality rate with young children it was very much part of everyday life. Now everyone expects to have a perfect healthy child that will grow to old age rather than be grateful that your child is that healthy baby.
I can remember my grandmother (mum's mother) and my grandfather's (dad's father) illnesses and initially their death was hidden from me until they had to tell me. Also I was not allowed to go to the funeral. I have always regretted not being allowed to go to my granddad's as we were very close, he used to pick me up everyday from junior school for several years.
I think the tide is turning and children are now being told more and parents encouraged to allow them to go to grandparents and siblings funerals but I think when death became the preserve of old age in many people's mind that was the start of not talking about it.
The early part of the 20th century sex was not discussed but that now is open topic for all and death became the hidden subject in the latter part of the 20th century.
My thoughts for consideration.