Council Bluffs Woman Recalls Meeting First Lady

Jamie Jacobsen was nine years when former First Lady Barbara Bush made an unforgettable visit to the Durham Museum in Omaha in 2005.  Jacobsen, now 21 years old, won the essay contest, "What I Would Do If I Lived In The White House,".  

Jacobsen read her speech out loud and received a thunderous ovation from Mrs. Bush and the dignitaries and guests that had assembled.   

"I remember the former First Lady being warm and kind," Jacobsen says.  After reading her essay, Jamie got a hug from Mrs. Bush and then a picture with her.  "I was very nervous, but when she went to take the picture she asked me to stand next to her and she put her arm around me." 

Jacobsen recalls that Mrs. Bush began laughing as photographers snapped photo after photo. "I will never forget her laugh." 

Jacobsen's father Jon says Mrs. Bush loved the GOP "Elephant" dress, hairband and purse Jamie wore that day.   Mrs. Bush also autographed Jamie's beanie baby elephant.   Mrs. Bush was in Omaha to promote literacy and tour a First Ladies exhibit at the museum.  




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