What You Told Me You Saw In This Photo From Barbara Bush’s Funeral

A week ago, I asked you to look at this photo, and tell me what you saw. Your responses have been overwhelming and amazing.

Clearly, this photo of four former presidents, four former First Ladies and the current First Lady resonated around the world, well beyond the usual picture of dignitaries at a funeral.

It really had an impact on me, too, and I’m so pleased that so many people read my essay, shared it and took the time to comment on it.

Here are some of the things you told me.

“Here’s what I see: Decency,” wrote Kim Clarke.

Bill Landau replied, “I also see decency, and respect — for Barbara Bush and for one another — and with the Clintons and the younger Bushes, what appears to be genuine affection. Most of all, I see what is best described in Yiddish — menschlikeit — the quality of true humanity.”

And Tim Wiersma said, “I see a Republican with his arm around a Democrat. If only…”