Dear Malia and Sasha,
I know that you've both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn't have let you have. But I also know that it hasn't always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn't make up for all the time we've been apart. I know how much I've missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey.
When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me-about how I'd make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn't seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn't count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation.
I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential-schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college-even if their parents aren't rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity.
I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you'll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other.
Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into war and other dangerous situations to protect our country-but when we do, I want to make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our differences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe. And I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans fight for are not free-that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility.
Sasha (l) and Malia Obama at play in New Hampshire in 2007.
Bumper cars at the Iowa State Fair in August 2007.
That was the lesson your grandmother tried to teach me when I was your age, reading me the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and telling me about the men and women who marched for equality because they believed those words put to paper two centuries ago should mean something.
She helped me understand that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better-and that the unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us. It's a charge we pass on to our children, coming closer with each new generation to what we know America should be.
I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you've had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much-although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential.
These are the things I want for you-to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That's why I've taken our family on this great adventure.
I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House.
Love, Dad
I found this while surfing the internet which I do from time to time. it actually gave me a deeper look into the man that will serve as this nation's president!i VOW wait let me correct that, I aspire to be all that I can be with the years that I have left on this earth!
An eye opener for me is what is was and remains to be; encouraging me to strive to be the very best that I can be. But what's more important is that I have come to realize mypurpose in life and it goes beyond a book or computer! The media can be used in so many ways by so many people and I have a right as a citizen of the United States! I have to hold on to the hope and that is what w have been given through this revelation; hope and courage to now erase any and all fear that has gripped us to the point of paralysis. We are responsible for what ever mark we leave on this earth. We are people of purpose and with that being said, Know your purpose in this life time. Touch someone's life , I have said any times before and that is A smile, hug and kind word can go a long way and to tell you that with everything going on in this world that it's easy would be a lie but it's necessary ! Life and goodness is necessary, so many before us have paved the way and for us as people to not take advantage of that would say to them that it was just a waste of their time and that their dying was in vain. Our ancestors who bleed, sweat and tears would turn ove in their graves, this toay was part of their struggle and hopes for us and all the family that comes behind us....
I am taking my place in this world and they will know that Angela Wilson has arrived whether they like it or not! It takes a lot to knock this strong-willed woman sdown and I have no intentions of falling anytime soon!
Be Sweet and Stay Blessed
Angela Wilson Author- Motivational Speaker
