Workers at Barbara Bush's namesake recall her visits

COLLEGE STATION, Texas (FOX 26) - A lot of thoughts and prayers for Barbara Bush tonight as news spreads that the former First Lady is in failing health. Workers at an area child development center named after Mrs. Bush are now traveling memory lane looking back at her unforgettable visits.

“Mrs. Bush was sitting right here reading a story to the children that were here. Her dog was with her,” explains Renate Blas, who is the Head Start Program Assistant at the Barbara Bush Parent Center. 

As Barbara Bush created a memory of a lifetime for a couple dozen kids and employees, Blas was right there and remembers rubbing elbows with the former First Lady like it was yesterday. 

“She walked over here and this is the podium she was behind. Still the exact podium,” Blas says with a smile.

That was 21 years ago. Blas showed us pictures of her helping make Mrs. Bush feel welcome. 

“She was kind. She was kind to the children, interacting with the children and giving them hugs and stuff,” says Blas.

Mrs. Bush stopped by when the building in College Station was dedicated to her and named the Barbara Bush Parent Center. Today it offers parenting classes and head start.

”You think about her often because we’re here and her picture is here and we feel her spirit,” explains Kim Hodge, the Operations Manager of the Early Head Start Program at Barbara Bush Parent Center.  That’s true even more so now with news that Mrs. Bush has had a series of recent hospital stays and at age 92 has decided not to seek anymore medical care.

“It’s upsetting to us all. She’s had a long run and has been a real champion for children and families,” says Hodge.  

“She was a good First Lady,” adds Blas.

“I just remember her always sitting around with children, reading and her dog was always present. She just had such a grace and peace about her,” Hodge says.  

Mrs. Bush has stopped by the center and College Station a few times. 

“That was an honor to just be in the same room with her,” says Hodge. 

The workers had been hopeful Mrs. Bush would soon return to the center. Now they have a different hope and prayer for her. 

“Just peace, just a graceful exit and just that she can pass knowing she’s touched lots of lives and her legacy continues,” says Hodge.