SAN ANTONIO — George H.W. Bush had 17 grandchildren to dote on.

His son, Neil and ex-wife Sharon gave him three of those grandkids, including Pierce Bush.

"It's a roller coaster of emotions," Pierce Bush said outside the 41st President's Houston home. "There's a selfish sadness not to be able to drive by the gates behind us and know my grandfather, who was very present of mind, will be there."

He said sadness isn't the only thing he's feeling.

"There's also an excitement about celebrating the life of just an incredible human being," he said.

It's not just the Bush family that is celebrate this extraordinary American’s life. Pierce said his phone has been inundated with messages from friends, and he's felt the outpouring of love from complete strangers.

"My grandfather spent so much of his life loving on his family, but he also just believed so deeply in living a life that was dedicated to frankly making strangers' lives better,” he said. “It's a beautiful thing to be on the receiving end of feeling that love."

He added this week will clearly be, first and foremost, about family.

"There's nothing like being able to mourn together with people that you love," he said.

Pierce said he's excited to see all his cousins this week.

George and Barbara Bush not only had 17 grandchildren, but eight great-grandchildren.