Former President George W. Bush speaks at Fort Worth Christian School

Sunday, February 28, 2010
By DIANE RADO
The Dallas Morning News

He read 92 history books in one year while in office, was awed by soldiers and military families, and was comforted and sustained by the power of prayer.

Former President George W. Bush provided a glimpse of life in the Oval Office on Saturday evening in front of a packed ballroom at the Omni Fort Worth Hotel, revisiting the most tumultuous days of the Sept. 11 attacks, the country's financial meltdown, and the joys of celebrating the Fourth of July and Christmas in the nation's capital.

"Every day," he said, "I tried to bring honor and dignity to the office," Bush told the crowd of more than 1,100, all from families of the Fort Worth Christian School community.

In a self-effacing way, Bush described his transition from U.S. president to resident of Texas, saying it was like going from 100 mph to zero. One day while resting on the couch, he said he exclaimed, "Free at last." He said his wife, Laura, responded: You are free to take out the garbage. the rest