Letter to his daughters

by witsandnuts on January 22, 2009

I’ve watched the video of his inauguration through NY Times yesterday. It’s very moving, isn’t it? But there’s one that moved me more. Here’s an excerpt from the letter which President Obama wrote for his daughters Malia and Sasha, few days before moving to White House.

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 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.

(Complete text of the letter)

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{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }

BlogusVox January 22, 2009 at 8:01 AM

Very touching and so true. Before, all I ever dreamed off is going to places and buying things that catches my eyes. When my daughter arrived, all those things were set aside and all I ever think of now is how to raised her the best way I could.

BlogusVoxs last blog post..Buhay Buhangin (Sn 16)

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upto6only January 22, 2009 at 9:10 AM

that is really very touching for a father to say to his daughters. Never would expect a person like him will have the courage to write something like that. A true father he is. And I hope to his fellow countrymen as well.

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odette January 22, 2009 at 9:17 AM

ohmymama, i have tears in my eyes. *sniff*
i was over at webmd.com, and i’ve just read that the obama’s are the fittest first couple ever. hmm, to say that obama is winning me over is a great surprise to my republican ideals. :)

odettes last blog post..skinny

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mordsith January 22, 2009 at 10:54 AM

i think that if the leader is a good family man, he’d probably be a good “father” to the nation. Children really are magic.

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Sinta January 22, 2009 at 11:47 AM

That’s so sweet :) I’m so glad Obama got elected. I’m looking forward to see his actions now.

Sintas last blog post..The things that go bump in the night…

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jeanny January 22, 2009 at 2:38 PM

He is indeed a sweet family man. Actually I love the whole family. I really dont know why…I just felt that the Obamas are so sincere in everything they do. :)

jeannys last blog post..Just Wanted to Know?

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ria January 22, 2009 at 3:30 PM

wow thanks for sharing

rias last blog post..some tags and such

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Karen & Gerard Zemek January 22, 2009 at 4:52 PM

That is such a nice letter. I am very impressed with his commitment to his family and sensitivity to their needs. I just hope it’s not done as a political ploy to win Americans over. I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt here and will, for now, look on it as a sincere letter to his girls. Just have to wonder though how it got to be public.

Karen & Gerard Zemeks last blog post..Green Tea Is Not For Me, No Thanks!

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kayni January 22, 2009 at 5:08 PM

Very touching, honest, and to the point. This letter was published here in several papers. I think the First Family is off to a great start.

kaynis last blog post..Miami – Just A Click Away

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sheng January 23, 2009 at 11:45 AM

His speech during the Inauguration was very moving as well. I had tears in my eyes watching and hearing the speech. This made me cry as well.

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bw January 24, 2009 at 6:48 PM

What makes this letter honest is the fact that Obama is a self made man who didn’t come from the ranks of the super wealthy. In some way we can relate to Barack and his struggle. Mom in law is moving in to the White House to help – that’s great :)

bws last blog post..What’s In It For Them ?

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witsandnuts January 25, 2009 at 11:08 AM

That’s the greatest sacrifice of all. And that’s the wisest act of prioritization.

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witsandnuts January 25, 2009 at 11:09 AM

I remember a line from Ai Ai’s movie before she ran for presidency. It’s like running a home and taking care of children daw. It turned out, magkaibang kaso sya. Hope he’ll do good.

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witsandnuts January 25, 2009 at 11:09 AM

Haha, he’s now winning you!

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witsandnuts January 25, 2009 at 11:09 AM

With that, let’s hope for the best.

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witsandnuts January 25, 2009 at 11:10 AM

Same here. I’m looking forward for his actions to surpass his literary brilliance.

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witsandnuts January 25, 2009 at 11:10 AM

They sure look like not the traditional family of politicians.

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witsandnuts January 25, 2009 at 11:10 AM

There’s much expectations. That’s well said, they seem off to a great start.

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witsandnuts January 25, 2009 at 11:11 AM

Mom-in law is having great efforts, huh. I’m looking forward to reading Obama’s bio.

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witsandnuts January 25, 2009 at 11:11 AM

I’ve read from NY Times that the transcript is more moving than the speech itself. But for me, either way is good.

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witsandnuts January 25, 2009 at 11:12 AM

You’re welcome.

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witsandnuts January 25, 2009 at 11:13 AM

I had the same initial reaction re: political ploy. I think this got publicized when Parade Magazine asked Obama what he wants for his children. Hence, he shared the letter. By the way, thanks for visiting.

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