HOUSTON – Pierce Bush, the son of Neil and grandson of Barbara Bush, sat down with KPRC on Wednesday to reminisce about the legacy his grandmother leaves behind, her love for her husband and for reading.
"My grandmother was such a shining example of how a life that's worth living, is a life that involves others," he said.
Pierce Bush, one of 17 grandchildren of Barbara and George H.W. Bush, said his grandmother's wit and humor were prevalent up until her final days. Barbara Bush died Tuesday at the age of 92.
Pierce said the family is doing as well as expected, but said it's easier knowing that Barbara was at peace with the thought of death.
WATCH: Pierce Bush talks about Barbara's Legacy
“We are doing about as good as you can do when you lose someone who’s been such an incredible leader in our family for 92 years like my grandmother has been. I think we’re also doing better because my grandmother was so at peace at the end. It was a peace that was set in her incredible faith," he said.
Barbara Bush once said that a person will not regret passing one more test, or closing one more business deal, but will regret not spending as much time with loved ones when death approaches.
Still, former first lady Barbara Bush was an icon in her own right because of the life she lived and the legacy she leaves behind.
"She lived a life with no regrets, a life that lifted many people up and lifted communities up. It was a life really well-lived," Pierce said.
Pierce is one of 17 grandchildren of the Bushes.
He said he'll remember a lot about his grandmother, from her amazing ability to connect with everyone, to her quick wit and sense of humor.
"Even to the end she was so sharp and so funny. Even until a week ago she was telling me I need to shave my beard," he said.
And while many will remember Barbara Bush for promoting literacy, Pierce says he'll remember getting a dose of it, firsthand growing up.
"My grandmother made sure that I did my summer reading to the point that she would co-read with me and ask questions and fact check if I was actually doing (it)," Pierce said.
No doubt the loss of the matriarch of their family will be a difficult thing for the Bushes, but Pierce says it'll be especially tough for his grandfather -- the love of her life.
"To be as close as they were, until the very end to the point where they were holding hands to almost the entirety of her final day on this earth. It's going to take time but my grandfather is an incredibly strong man," Pierce said.