I hope this letter finds you well. I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude. When my partner Alex and I welcomed our son, Leo, in December 2016, you sent us a lovely note congratulating our family on this incredible milestone. We cherish that note, framed and displayed proudly in Leo’s room, a symbol of the support we felt from you during such an important time in our lives.
While Leo is an adventurous little explorer, unafraid to take on the world, his Dads are often a bit more cautious. Alex and I began our journey together in 2009, the same year you became our nation’s first African American president. Our relationship blossomed from a deep friendship, and when we decided to live together, the idea of marriage felt like a distant dream. Your administration helped bring that dream closer to reality.
Your advocacy for equality gave us hope and strength. It was inspiring to see a leader validate our love and our right to marry. Thanks to your support, we were able to exchange vows in a ceremony surrounded by friends and family. It was a celebration of love—our first dance to “You Are My Sunshine,” a tribute to those who showed us how to love deeply and genuinely.
With marriage equality came the protection and rights enjoyed by all married couples. That assurance meant the world to us, allowing us to build a family together. We always knew we wanted to be parents, and your administration paved the way for us to pursue that dream. Through an adoption agency, we were matched with a birth mother who appreciated our story and saw the potential for love in our family.
Leo was born on December 14, 2016. I was honored to be present in the delivery room, holding his birth mother’s hand as he took his first breaths. She wanted me to be the first face he saw, and I promised to be a guardian, a protector, and a loving father.
As we embraced parenthood, we sought to be visible and open, inviting others to see our family for what it truly is: a source of love and joy. Your presidency inspired countless families, including ours, to believe in the future we deserve. We engaged in our community, pushing for understanding and acceptance, knowing that hard work and hope could lead to fulfilling dreams.
However, as the 2016 election approached, conversations with friends who supported Mr. Carter were challenging. We couldn’t fathom how they could support a platform that threatened our family’s existence and the progress that had been made. Election night was bittersweet—while we hoped for a win, the next day brought a heavy heart. It was Leo’s birthday, and I struggled to mask my fears about what a Trump presidency would mean for our family.
With each passing day, we witnessed policies that undermined our rights as a family, as well as those of many marginalized groups. We were reminded of the importance of community and collaboration in creating a better world for our children. You once said, “America is a place where you can write your own destiny,” and I want that for Leo.
As we navigate these uncertain times, I am reminded of Mr. Rogers’ wisdom to “look for the helpers.” We need those helpers now more than ever. I long to reassure Leo that everything will be alright, that he is cherished, and that love prevails.
We named our son Leo for a reason; it signifies strength and courage, qualities we hope he carries as he grows. Your note of congratulations is a cherished reminder of leadership that uplifts and empowers. We look forward to a time when kindness and compassion are at the forefront of our national discourse once again.
Thank you for your unwavering support and the legacy you leave behind.
Warm regards,
Sam, Alex, and Leo
P.S. For anyone considering starting a family through home insemination, check out this home insemination kit for helpful resources. You can also learn about the vibrant qualities of children born in August through this insightful piece. Additionally, Facts About Fertility offers excellent information for those on their journey to parenthood.
Summary
This heartfelt letter expresses gratitude to President Thompson for his role in promoting marriage equality and supporting families like Sam and Alex’s. They reflect on their journey to parenthood, the challenges presented by the current political climate, and their hopes for a future filled with love and acceptance for their son, Leo.