Did you know George Washington gave most of his adult life to the service of his country but really just wanted to be home farming at Mt. Vernon? He only got about 6 years to do that before he was called away to serve in armed forces and later in government and later died and couldn't enjoy his lovely home.
My mom visited here when she was 16 and it made a big impression on her. She remembered the use of his bold colors throughout the house which were very uncommon and only wealthy people could afford it. Washington wasn't a fancy man but he had very good taste. The white house wasn't built yet so he didn't get to live in fancy places as he served as our first president the way other ones got to. They said Washington never wrote his autobiography but that Mt. Vernon was his autobiography. It tells the story of a simple man who loved farming and trying new crops and having a beautiful view of the Potomac river and woods beyond it. Everyone felt is was the best placed home of all the estates because of it's view and grounds. We even saw huge trees Washington planted himself! He loved nature and peace it brought after years of unrest with the wars. He saw horrible things and escaped death many times once being shot four times through his jacket and having two horses shot out from under him. He was a very brave man and outstanding leader. mom has spent a lot of time covering him with me and all sides of who he was because she would like me to be like him. She admires everything about him from his personal life to his public service, his speeches and attitudes to his courteous ways. When George was a young man his father died early and his older brother went off to war. George decided early what kind of man he wanted to be and read the codes of conduct of the 15th century monks and applied them to his own life at 15 creating Washington's Cod of Conduct ( the book is: Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior In Company & Conversation) and decided to copy them all down to commit them to memory and he used them throughout his life in almost all his dealings until his death in 1799. So, guess what my mom asked if I'd like to do... and after visiting his home and museum, his monument and battlefields I said YES! So she got me a quill and ink and parchment and I will set out to the same. I can be grouchy at times and procrastinate and I am trying to set goals for myself to improve things and be more easy going and polite. George Washington is a great man to admire as almost everyone thought very highly of him and he was very modest but courageous and always felt compelled to serve his country and good causes and do his duty. He was a great example of self-sacrifice for greater good. He was an amazing leader and President.
An old man who walked through the exhibit when we did was actually crying when he saw George Washington's sword in the case. He really admired him too. I like how humble and brave he was. It showed both sides of him as he was also a great general and a good dancer! He loved his wife Martha and even though they had many tragedies like losing their children he was determined to make the best of his situation and do the things that needed doing even though he wanted to selfishly be at home.
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