Dorothy Bush Koch

Our father never had to yell at us much when we were growing up. No one ever wanted to let Dad down.

What Dad's taught me is that life doesn't end when you get to be in your 70s and your 80s, and he has a philosophy of life that just - 'What more can I do? How can I help?'

Doing what you thought was right for the country, rather than what was politically expedient, seems almost as quaint now as having civil disagreements with those whose viewpoints differ from your own.

Access to a quality education in our country is a civil right for all Americans young and old. But to ensure it for scores of our fellow Americans, we must rethink education.

My grandfather Prescott passed down the idea that you would only run for office after you had built a financial base - then it was time to give back and go into public service.

Without question, my grandfather's example of public service throughout his life inspired Dad later to run for office himself. Wherever he went, whatever he did, Prescott Bush had plenty of admirers.

As more time passes, people see my father for what he is - one of the last of a generation who went into government to answer a call to public service rather than to pursue a career in politics.

I just didn't have the desire to run for political office. There are other things that I like to do, and it just wasn't my choice. But if it had been my choice, I certainly would have done it.

No one knows exactly when I got the nickname Doro, but I've been called that as long as anyone can remember.

I think my dad's done a great job of letting others have their turn when his term was over and not being out there grandstanding and trying to say, 'Well, this is what I think, and I need to get the news and be on the news and' - he's not like that.

Life after the White House found Dad enjoying having his grandchildren around and letting go of all the enormous burden he shouldered throughout his public life.

One of the greatest honors in my life is serving as the sponsor of the new aircraft carrier bearing Dad's name.