The Day I Met President George W. Bush

"Yeah, the Secret Service doesn't want the President [George W. Bush] making his speech in Flamingo," my then husband, Peter, told me. "They would have to sit in the mangrove trees and there are too many mosquitoes for them."

It's June 2001 and Peter is the General Manager of the Flamingo Lodge & Marina in Everglades National Park. This little fish camp in the town of Flamingo sits on the shores of Florida Bay and is about 50 miles from the civilization of Florida City and Homestead. During the winter, Flamingo is a tropical paradise for kayakers, bird-watchers and recreational fishermen.

Come summer and the rainy season, Flamingo is only for the die-hard fishermen and European travelers who don't believe 43 species of mosquitoes inhabit the park that time of year.

President George W. Bush's purpose in Everglades National Park on June 4, 2001 was to announce the appointment of Fran Mainella as Director of the National Park Service. Mainella was then the Florida Director of State Parks and Everglades National Park was the ideal location to announce her appointment.

Peter had been working with the Secret Service advance team to coordinate a safe visit for President Bush, but since Flamingo was infested with mosquitoes, the event was relocated to the Royal Palm Visitors Center near the park's entrance. And since it wasn't near the salt water, the park's fiercest pest, the salt marsh mosquito, would not distract the Secret Service from protecting the President.

About 50 invited guests attended the event, which included Peter, his secretary Pat and me. Others included National Park Service personnel and Florida government officials, notably Senator Bob Graham and W.'s little brother, Governor Jeb Bush.

Just minutes before meeting the President, I panic. "I'm going to meet the President of the United States and don't know what to say!"

How would this sound? "Sorry I didn't vote for you, but can you help protect the Everglades?"

No, I had to think of something more intellectual. No, wait, that won't work. This is President George W. Bush. I mulled around in my head, but couldn't think of anything brilliant to say and decided to play it by ear.

While waiting to meet President Bush, Pat, Peter and I chatted with the very tall Governor Jeb Bush. Discussing issues facing the Everglades and Flamingo's world-class fishing (President George H. Bush used to fish Flamingo's waters), I was impressed at how up-to-date Jeb was. I was also amazed at how big his feet are.

Next thing I knew, I was face to face with President George W. Bush. Damn! I still hadn't thought of anything to say.

"Hi Mr. President. I'm Peter, General Manager of Flamingo Lodge."

"Good, Peter broke the ice," I said to myself.

President Bush replied with something like, "Nice to meet you Big Guy," while patting Peter's shoulder.

My turn. In my quest to say something intelligent, I grabbed his hand, shook it and blurted, "Hello Mr. President. I'm the wife."

Doh! How stupid was that?

While looking me square in the eye (and I think I saw a twinkle), the President replied, "Well, nice to meet you."

I tried to spit something intelligent out, but was tongue-tied and just smiled, nodding my head.

What happened next was a blur. Peter and I flanked each side of President Bush for a Kodak moment. [Note: I really don't like the photo so I did not post it here; I was a few pounds heavier having a massively frizzy, bad hair]. While posing, Peter told W. he is originally from Houston, too.

"My Momma and my Daddy live in Houston," the President drawled.

"Yes, we know," I said under my breath. "Does he not think we know who his parents are?" I thought to myself.

We chitchatted a little and I recall how down-to-earth he seemed and how interested he was in us. Either that's the sign of a genuine person or an excellent politician.

Patting Peter's stomach goodbye, President Bush expressed his gratitude with, "Thanks Big Guy."

And away President George W. Bush disappeared with his posse.

When I think of the day I met President George W. Bush, it reminds me of an innocent, naive time. Little did we know that three months down the road, his presidency would take the direction it did on September 11; and how our lives as Americans would be changed forever. I also wonder if the President remembers those simple days when government security meant worrying about too many mosquitoes.

Notes from the author:
Read about JA Huber's Sunday school experience with former President Jimmy Carter.

As a result of the active 2005 Hurricane Season, Flamingo Lodge & Marina is a day-use area until further notice.