A Texas Grand Dame Lost

the ranks of remarkable Texas women are smaller now. Lady Bird Johnson was one of the last of a generation that has suffered some terrible losses in the past several years - Ann Richards and Molly Ivans being among the greatest. and like those women she had a way with words (like only a texas woman does). A nursemaid described her as “purty as a lady bird”, giving birth to her nickname. Of that nickname she said “I was a baby and in no position to protest.”

But she also contributed to LBJ’s work. Of her role as first and second lady she said “My role was to be an extra pair of eyes and ears for Lyndon.” She made many trips to explain her husband’s programs like Head Start, the Job Corps and the War on Poverty.

not to mention her trailblazing as a conservationist. her contribution there was all her own and all home-grown. the lady bird wildflower conservation center is lovely if you are ever in the hill country around austin, TX.

we don’t get enough of this sensibility today. certainly not out of our current first lady.