[Summer 2005]

It started with a dream. Doing what I do everyday, doing what I do best- art. I had made it a goal to paint not only commissioned portraits, portraits of family or ones that I have found of artistic interest- but portraits of individuals who have inspired me. That’s where President George W. Bush came to mind.

9/11 was a moment that changed America. A time where everyone stopped their daily routine. No longer were people concerned about making their appointment on time, or how to make the ‘big bucks’. People dropped their ego, their rank in society and we all became children. Scared for our lives, the question that citizens of America had in their minds that fateful day was, “What do we do now?”. We all held each other’s hands and looked up to the one person who could do something to save us. The man who was our protector and father figure that day, President George W. Bush. He was not about to let Terrorists take away his vision of what America should be, a place where families can live in safety and in peace. Just like any father who receives a threat to family’s safety, he did what any parent would do in that situation- he took action. He gave us all the comfort and confidence we needed that day and reminded us of who we were. America doesn’t stand and let someone hurt us, America shows the world that we will not let anything keep us from the freedom that we cherish.

That day I oversaw a country that worked together. Even if it was just for a moment, I saw a country that didn’t worry about who made the most money, or who was the most beautiful. We held each other and made sure that everyone regardless of their rank in society- saw a light at the end of this tragedy. The man who guided us to that light was President Bush. A man who still to this day is guiding us there, and will lead us to his vision of a country of peace and safety.

-Rebecca

My Experience In Washington D.C.

I was on family vacation when I received a call from Senator Orrin Hatch’s office stating that I had an appointment with President Bush in the Oval Office next week!! You could imagine my shock. It’s not everyday that you get that kind of invitation.

This all came from my email that I wrote to first, my local Governor, Governor Huntsman who then referred me to Senator Hatch. Senator Orrin Hatch responded and let me know that he has forwarded the message to the White House. It was about 2 months later that I received this call. It was after that, that all the action began.

I promptly purchased the tickets and flew out to Philadelphia with my boyfriend. We drove from Philadelphia to Washington D.C. on Tuesday June 28th to deliver the painting to the White House for screening from the Secret Service and then again Wednesday for the Congressional meeting with the President on the 29th of June.

June 29th-

It was a morning full of nerves. As I was doing my make-up and getting dressed, the thought kept running through my mind. I… am going to meet the President of the United States. I… am going to be in the Oval Office, in the presence of the President of the United States of America. I’ve been in restaurant’s and seen in books and magazines Stars, Historians, well renowned people who have met with the President and now it’s my turn! I was full of butterflies and the moment came that I stood face front to the gate of the White House and I rang the buzzer. The guard answered, ” Yes? How can I help you?”… with trembling hands I replied ” Yes.. I…I have an appointment with…The President?” The guard abruptly responded with, ” Ok ma’am please step through the gate and present your I.D.” As I did with quick haste. They quickly screened my purse and myself and they pointed me to the double doors of the West Wing of the White House. There I was greeted by a U.S. Marine who opened the door for me with a friendly hello. I, Rebecca E. Bornemeier was on the White House lawn!!! I walked through the doors, and everything was in gold. The framed art, doors. The walls were an egg-shell to cream color.

I was early, but by the time Senator Orrin Hatch arrived, we had a long chat. There were also 2 other people there to greet the President. The Congressional meeting only happens twice a year and only 4 people are invited to meet the President at those meetings. It was an honor to be one of those 4 people. There was an triple amputee soldier, Hank Williams daughter along with a sculpture artist who sculpted the Country Singer Hank Williams. We all gathered in the Roosevelt Room and conversed for about a half hour. Orrin Hatch is one of the nicest men I have ever met! He immediately gave me a hug when he walked in the room. We talked about art, and his music. He told me the history of the Roosevelt room and how nice the President is and how impressed he has been with President Bush. But Senator Orrin Hatch reminded me of the Grandpa that everyone would love to have. Very kind eyes and very enjoyable to be around.

The soldier went first and then it was my turn. Orrin Hatch was planned to escort me into the Oval Office but there was a Senate meeting where he had to go vote in. He apologized and gave me one last hug. I was led through the door and down to the Oval Office. The painting was carried behind me by a White House worker and then the doors opened before me. There, just like in a movie scene the President, George W. Bush stood in the center of the room. He was looking down at a piece of paper and looked up as he heard me enter the room.

“Well, hello Rebecca!” At that moment all butterflies and nerves left my body. I was immediately filled with adrenalin.

“Hello Mr. President! ”

“Oh wow, you got my eyes!!” Said the President. He grabbed hold of the painting and carried it to his desk. “How did you do this?”

“Well Mr. President, if you’re ever in my town you can stop by my classroom and I’ll teach you the process.”

“Oh, you teach? Where at?”

“Yes, I teach at Ogden Blue Art School. This is such a neat experience for me, because not only am I fulfilling a dream of mine, but it’s also such a great example to my students. Because I stress to them how important it is to have dreams and to never give up on them. Now look at where I am!!”

“That is fantastic Rebecca! Well here, let’s give them something to see. Here is a Presidential Pin, you show them this. Now let’s get some pictures for everyone to see!”

We took some pictures, and then he gave me a hug and told me how thankful he was that I was teaching. Walking out of the Oval Office I was grinning from ear to ear. I told the press as I walked out of the White House, “That… was better than any roller coaster ride I have EVER been on! YES!!!!!!” The world was brighter, the air seemed fresher, LIFE seemed endless! I felt that I could do ANYTHING in the world that I wanted.

Dreams REALLY do come true if you truly believe in yourself. First you ask yourself “Why not? Why couldn’t I give my portrait to the man himself- President George W. Bush!” My theory is, you paint a portrait of someone, but the portrait really has no accomplishment if it isn’t given to the individual themselves. To fulfill a dream, you really have to humble yourself and ask for help. I could not have accomplished this without the help of Governor Huntsman and Senator Orrin Hatch. Both incredible men with incredible hearts. I couldn’t have asked for a more life changing experience. President Bush was amazing. Another incredibly nice man. I honestly felt that I entered a part of Heaven walking through those White House doors. Everyone was kind and willing to serve your every need. Everyone was giving hugs and helping me feel 100% comfortable.

After my press meetings I walked through the gates and looked at a brand new world. I put a little extra kick in my walk and continued to smile from ear to ear with an adrenalin rush that I have never felt before. I told myself, my life has just begun… anything is possible now.

- Rebecca

©2002-Present, Rebecca Cooper of www.SmokeBrush.com