Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Laura Bush. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Laura, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Life has a way of throwing curveballs. Sometimes, the ball flies past you, and you miss it. Other times, you duck, and occasionally, the ball hits you hard. It may even knock you down. But with resilience, you rise again. Each time I’ve been knocked down, I’ve found a way to stand back up, learn from the experience, find the silver lining, and grow stronger. Resilience has been my constant companion, teaching me the power of perseverance and the beauty of embracing life’s unpredictability.
One of my biggest lessons came with the birth of my second child, who was born with Down syndrome. When he was born, those around me reacted as though it were a tragedy. I grieved the loss of the “typical” child I had envisioned. Soon, I realized that my son had brought a gift far greater than I could have imagined. He taught me and everyone around us the true meaning of unconditional love and the power of living in the present—without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. What a blessing that has been.
Years later, I faced another challenge: breast cancer. That diagnosis forced me to confront my own mortality, shifting the way I viewed life. I came to understand that time is precious, finite, and not something to squander. Surviving breast cancer not only strengthened me physically, but also deepened my appreciation for health, the fragility of life, and the importance of living fully.
Then came divorce and a prolonged child custody battle. These experiences were emotionally draining, but they also taught me invaluable lessons about self-awareness, authenticity, and love. I learned to listen to my inner voice and to be honest with myself. Those lessons allowed me to become a loving, honest, and supportive partner to my second husband, building a relationship based on trust, mutual respect, and understanding.
In time, life brought more lessons through loss. My father’s struggle with frontotemporal dementia—an affliction made famous by Bruce Willis’s diagnosis—was devastating. Watching his decline and caring for him gave me a profound appreciation for life. His journey taught me to never wait for retirement or the “perfect” moment to chase adventures or fulfill dreams because tomorrow is never guaranteed.
Shortly after my father’s death, I lost my sister suddenly. This loss hit me especially hard and taught me the importance of expressing love and gratitude while we have the chance. Moments slip by, turning into days, weeks, and months, and then they’re gone, leaving no room for regrets.
A few years later, tragedy struck again as I watched my last surviving sister battle and ultimately lose her fight against stage four breast cancer. Each of these losses chipped away at my heart, but they also deepened my resolve to live with purpose and to appreciate every breath, every day, and every connection.
Resilience. It’s the thread that ties these experiences together. Each time life knocked me down, I got back up, carrying a lesson that enriched my journey. Life rarely goes as planned, and that’s okay. The detours often lead to growth. The human spirit is remarkably resilient, capable of enduring unimaginable pain and still finding glimmers of light in the darkest of times.
What have I learned? To embrace life as it comes—messy, unpredictable, and full of surprises. To feel love even for a short time is better than to never have loved. Live each day with happiness and don’t wait until the time is perfect to live your dreams because the “perfect” time is now. Life is precious, and it’s meant to be truly lived.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My next adventure is to write a book and someday share my stories in a TED Talk. The message is simple: resilience is the key to living fully. No matter what life throws at you, you can bounce back—and along the way, you will find your purpose and truly LIVE your life.
My goal is to share what I have learned through all the trials and tribulations, interactions with thousands of patients, leadership roles, and personal tragedies. These are the lessons I wish to share.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Optimism- Being able to see the good in a seemly difficult or less than perfect situation
Honest communication- with myself, others, and the actual situation
Continual learning- even when it puts me in stressful or uncomfortable situations. Every position, event, and new interaction led me to reach new goals and expand my growth as a person
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Serving as President of the Society of Dermatology PAs, I encountered numerous challenges, navigated uncomfortable situations, and embraced incredible opportunities. These experiences fueled a period of unprecedented personal growth, paving the way for even greater opportunities to continue evolving as a leader, mentor, and person.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurapbush/
- Facebook: Laura Bush
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-bush-dmsc-pa-c-dfaapa-2267a832/
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