After many years of illness, Ronald Reagan
was very ill and it appeared that he might die.
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.
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 of the loan of Air Force One.
For a time, no one said anything. Both Bill and Hillary were touched and flattered that President Reagan 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 choose 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 also how I want to go.