IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL SPRING DAY AS A GOOD FRIEND AND I DROVE FROM NASHVILLE OVER MONTEAGLE MOUNTAIN TO CHATTANOOGA.
We were going to a fund-raising/gathering for George W. Bush's presidential re-election campaign at the palatial home of Bob and Elizabeth Corker whom we knew as friends from their days living in Nashville during Bob's work in the Governor Don Sunquist's administration.
W. was not going to be at the Corkers that day, but George and Barbara Bush were making a proxy campaign stop with great fanfare and much publicity.
Tish and I arrived as personal friends, not deep pocketed donors. Neither of us knew many Chattanooga Republicans who would be there in droves. We looked forward to visiting their Versailles-like home and gardens in spring bloom.
So it was we arrived, had our car valet parked, and went in to a massive mob scene.
We found Elizabeth and Bob and said hello then we wandered through the grounds and lots of exuberant people After a few minutes, I wondered how I could politely flee.
I turned to Tish and said, 'Let's blow this joint' Or find a quieter place that's out of the way of the increasing crowds.
The Bushes were to arrive momentarily at the covered east portico where press and ardent supporters pressed against each other.
'Why don't we go to the other end of the house on the quiet front patio until thimgs settle down? I said. She agreed.
We found our way outside and sat down on the short brick wall away from everyone else.
Then as almost on cue, the presidential motorcade appeared and began to head up the Corkers' long, winding driveway with the presidential limousine lead and attendant security vehicles following close behind.
'The Bushes were here!,. We were relieved we were in a quiet spot away from the mayhem.
Then suddenly something totally unexpected happened....
A man looking a lot like former president George HW Bush had his limo stop far down the Corkers' driveway, got out and pulled a white-haired lady out the his side of the car and started walking through the yard...up the hill towards....the two of.us!
'Tish, that looks like the Bushes walking towards us. But it can't be; they're supposed to be arriving at the other end of the house.... This is not supposed to be happening,' I said, as they pulled themselves up the long hill, closer and closer to where the two of us were sitting far away from the crowds.
We watched for a minute dumbfounded, then I sprung up and out of my stupor and into my southern belle mode, as Barbara and George got closer to the two of us....
Ready or not, were suddenly the Bushes official greeting committee.
'Hello President and Mrs.Bush!' I said. 'Welcome to Chattanooga and the Corkers.....Do you know you are supposed to be arriving at the other end of the house where all your other supporters are waiting?" We shook hands and greeted each other warmly.
President Bush said he knew he wasn't supposed to come this way, but 'I saw two pretty ladies up here and wanted to come meet them.' Barbara smiled and chimed in, 'It was good to be here!'
So we stood making small talk for a few minutes as if old friends enjoying a beautiful spring afternoon, in peace and quiet. Soon enough the real welcoming committee and press got wind of the Bushes whereabouts after their limousine arrived empty and quickly the mob came bursting out through the front doors where we were and swooped the Bushes inside.
Tish and I said goodbye. We laughed all the way back to Nashville later that afternoon. Who knew we would be their unofficial welcoming committee at the Corkers that day? Who knew we would have the unexpected pleasure of making their delightful company?
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