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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
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