Obama's Letter To His Daughters: Your Smiles "Fill My Heart"

Parade Magazine has posted an open letter written by Barack Obama to his daughters Sasha and Malia. Here are a few excerpts; the full letter is available at Parade.com, and the print version will be in the January 18th issue. See if you can get through it without tearing up a little.

*Scroll down for some Obama family slideshows*

The eloquent letter begins on a humorous note, addressing the girls' steady consumption of ice cream on the campaign trail, why he decided to run for president, and, of course, the incoming puppy.

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.

He then goes on to address education, the environment, war, and the lessons their grandmother -- his mother, Ann Dunham -- taught him.

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.

He concludes by echoing the message in his victory speech on November 4th.

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.

Story continues below

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Love, Dad

RELATED SLIDESHOWS:

The Obamas' Greatest Family Moments

Obama Parenting PDA

Malia Obama: See How She's Grown

Sasha Obama: See How She's Grown

Comments

[PoeticCommentator]

Congratulations Biden & Obama Man.....YES WE CAN ...YES WE CAN...Time to look forward ...No looking back..Together.. Americans and President will get on the right track...The past is a memory that plays our minds...over and over again...That is what memories are...our long-lasting freinds...Now once again we will make more...Clear mandate from,of and by the people....We've opened the Door...Door to the future and better days ahead..A new leader in town, that's what I said...No matter how you feel or what's in your heart..President Obama must be given the chance and a brand new start..So don't ye judge lest you allow the same.... in this complex Magnificent Democracy Game...Transfer of power was a treasure to engage..Turning the Golden Weathered page....Of History in the making....The ground almost quaking...With Hope and YES WE CAN...YES WE CAN...Our President.....Our Obama Man.... .Janina Jayme ..........Poetic Commentator

[wendy12]

hahah..take that you cynics..despite all the odds he finally made it to this day..a mere 24 hours to go..check out this clip i found of
perhaps the funniest reason he wouldnt have made it to the oval office..:) pure gold..a must watch for anyone who appreciates good political satire
http://effinfunny.com/saleem-muhammed%0D/black-man-president

[terrib]

Dear President Obama,

Please have the first dance with your daughters as President

to E. Walter Smith's song, "Little Girl"

http://www.TheLittleGirlSong.com

Congratulations!

[americanalien]

The Obamas are such a beautiful family. They make perfect role models for families all across America and across the world. God bless them and God bless America.

[bigcountryc212]

Well we a very humble people they let madd thing happen in are country like everytime Mr. bush come on TVhe come with that fear to the country it's time OBAMA TIME SO AS A COUTRY WE MUST MOVE FAST ONE NATION UNDER GOD.

[bigcountryc212]

And all the money the bush got from oil. The feds need to look into that. While there all up in that man business.

[bigcountryc212]

WOW kickback sound like a player hater to me. there they go putting the man down again WOW if you want to talk about kick back jjust think back about 9/11 when Bush let them Sauids fly out of are country when there was a nofly in at that time Now that sound like a ( COVERUP TO ME)

[bigcountryc212]

Free at last, Free at last Thank GOD O' (MIGHTY) Were Free at Last' 7 years of peace is coming. I look at it this way were all in the same boat. We as the people have to work together as one country.

[americanalien]

The Obama's are a truly exceptional family. They are perfect role models for the rest of the country.

[stanschurman]

Sarah Palin's letter to her children:

Don't even think about coming home if you haven't killed something.

[Dogyeller]

The GOP fought a losing battle in their efforts to portray Barack Obama as exotic, foreign, not one of us, and someone "real" Americans can't relate to. The sentiments he's expressed in this letter to his daughter should be familiar to every parent. And every child should grow up with the confidence-building assurance that they are loved and the center of their parents' universe. Who can't relate to that?

[americanalien]

Most Republicans are uneducated so anyone who appears remotely intelligent to them can be called exotic.

[americanalien]

President Obama is the coolest dad in the world. I wish he was my father.

[Katherineo]

He'll be the President of the United States.
I think in many ways we will become part of his family.

[russwatersruss]

Our amazing new President posted this in a magazine so that we will all know what is in his heart. WOW!

[Mixpixlix]

Perhaps, the open letter is really address to other parents making the point that no matter how busy you are, how many challenges you face, your children are THE most important issues in your life.

The love the girls feel for him ( & Michelle) is a shining example of how busy people can raise wonderful chidren and stay in touch with their needs and BE THERE for them.

The Obama's are a wonderful example of the kind of parents and people we want running this country.

As for Mrs. Obama's salary. Not out of line for her education, experience and location.

[DKLabRat]

Sorry, but I'm baffled. Why was this published in a magazine? Seems a little bizarre.