It is rodeo time again here in Houston. That is a big deal in this town, and loaded with special events.

One thing that is often overlooked is the rodeo experience for special needs children. Volunteers, including a number of the cowboys and cowgirls, volunteer their time to take developmentally disabled children onto the dirt at Reliant Stadium and run them through some “rodeo events”. At the end, every child receives a trophy.

Most years there is an elderly couple down there on the floor, helping to award the trophies, giving hugs and taking pictures with these special children. Last night I learned that they wonÂ’t be there for tonightÂ’s event, because one of them is in the hospital after some serious surgery.

Former first lady Barbara Bush is recovering at The Methodist Hospital after successful open-heart surgery Wednesday to replace her aortic valve, a family spokesman said Wednesday night.

The operation was scheduled last week, after Bush, 83, reported shortness of breath. Doctors diagnosed a hardening of the aortic valve, during which the valve narrows and obstructs blood flow.

“The surgery went extremely well,” said Dr. Gerald Lawrie, the surgeon who replaced Bush’s aortic valve with a biologic valve during a 2½-hour procedure. “I expect her to recover fully and soon resume her normal activities.”

The wife of former president George H.W. Bush was admitted Tuesday night and is expected to stay in the hospital for a week to 10 days.

Family spokesman Jim McGrath said Bush was awake, alert and talking in the intensive care unit Wednesday night, with her husband by her side.

Yes, that is a part of what the former president and first lady do as a part of their life in retirement here in Houston. It is one of those things that doesnÂ’t make the newspaper, and that most folks donÂ’t know about unless they actually show up 90 minutes before the rodeo starts to see this special event or special children.

Needless to say, IÂ’d like to extend my prayers and best wishes to Mrs. Barbara Bush. May she make a full recovery, surrounded by those who love her.

I think I speak for many in this community, of al political persuasions, in saying this – here’s hoping that next year we get to see you with your boots on, once more showing the sort of gentle kindness and humility that we, your neighbors, have come to know and respect as you and your husband have lived among us before, during, and after the White House years.

Posted by: Greg at 09:10 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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