After many years of illness, Ronald Reagan was very ill and it appeared that he might not pull through. Obviously, Nancy and the rest of the family were at his side, as well as the family minister.
Knowing that his time might be short, they asked if there was anything that he wanted. "Yes," he replied, "I'd like very much to have Bill and Hillary Clinton at my side before I go."
They were all amazed at this request and several assumed that his memory was failing even worse than they had suspected. Regardless, they went ahead and forwarded his request to the former first family.
Within hours, the former president and first lady arrived at his bedside. (courtesy: loan of Air Force One)
For a time, no one said anything. Both Bill and Hillary were touched and flattered that Ron would ask them to be with him during his final moments. They were also puzzled - obviously they were of different political parties and had thrown barbs in one another's direction over the years. Why not George Bush Sr., G.W. Bush or some of Reagan's many Hollywood friends? He had never given the Clintons any indication that he particularly liked either of them.
Finally, Bill spoke up and asked, "Mr. President, why did you chose the two of us to be at your bedside at this critical moment?" The former president mustered up some strength and said very weakly "Jesus died between two thieves and that's how I want to go."
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