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.But then the paragraph ends with this:
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.Of course, it doesn't occur to everyone to run for President to make their own children's lives better. The rest of the letter is a wee bit more impersonal than it would have been, perhaps, had he written a private one.
And I do hope he has written and will continue to write private letters to his daughters. What a treasure they would be to open up when the girls are parents themselves, to peep into their father's thoughts and to relive these times through his eyes.
The text of the entire letter is here.
7 comments:
I do admit I was also swept up in the whole Obamania but that apart, I cannot help but admire that entire family. Lovely lovely family!
And a very Happy Shankranti to you as well,Sujatha. Pongal madidra?
I would be glad to help out in whatever way I can.By Kannada blogs, do you mean Kannadiga bloggers?
Thanks for linking this up Suj! What a great piece of writing. Warms the cockles of one's heart, so to speak.
Obama is way up there in communication. He excels in all formms.
Othewwrise would you imagine a 47 year old with a a 'weak resume' wlk away with the most important joob of the world !?!
ILL, pongal maadlilla. 2007 nalli nammamman manelidde, pongalge. Adara photos noddhe. Ashte. :(
Also, no "maddidra" business, remember? :) What about you? Made pongal?
And yes, Kannadiga bloggers please. Someone left a comment on my sakkare achchu post and said "Sakkare achchu maading". Intense nostaligia followed. :) I know a few, but I don't know a lot. So I thought I'd ask you.
Altoild, it's a good thing something is warm in this freezing but no snow weather. :(
Kavi, I think a lot of people are scratching their heads wondering the same thing. But hard to put a finger on exactly what sort of experience will help, no?
Hii..I have compiled few of the Kannadiga bloggers list you can see them here : http://suthamutha.blogspot.com/ I will add you also in that list and update it.
Thanks LG!
sugar over ambition?
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