Earlier this summer, I decided to reach out to Hillary Clinton through her website. I thought my message might be casually glanced at by a staff member, likely to spark a chuckle, and that any response would probably be a standard form letter akin to what one receives after signing an online petition.
To my surprise, a letter arrived in my mailbox last Thursday. It was tucked inside a thin envelope that resembled a direct-mail newspaper filled with classified ads. Nowadays, our mailboxes are mostly filled with bills, promotional offers, and the occasional magazine. But this envelope bore an unmistakable icon — an “H” with a red arrow — and was addressed neatly to my daughter, Emma.
I hesitated to give it to Emma, fearing she might think it was a personal note only to discover it was just another solicitation for money (she had been considering donating some of her allowance). Curious, I opened it to see what was inside.
The moment I saw the name “Emmaly,” my hands began to tremble. The letter was dated September 10, 2016, the day before the 9/11 memorial service when Hillary Clinton faced intense media scrutiny over her health. Even while battling pneumonia, she took the time to write to my daughter.
I quickly texted a photo to my husband: “EMMA GOT MAIL. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.”
My son, Jake, and I went to pick Emma up from school. She’s in second grade and still has her baby teeth. Each day, she “hides” next to the car before jumping in with a loud “Boo!” as a form of greeting. She climbed into the car, ready for our surprise.
I said, “We have something special to share with you.”
Jake added, “Emma, you got a letter.”
I chimed in, “And it’s from Hillary Clinton!”
Her face lit up, her brown eyes wide and mouth agape, showcasing her adorable snaggle tooth. I handed her the letter and encouraged, “Read it out loud for us.”
Emma is quite the reader for her age. It’s all her talent; she reads with such animation. As she read the letter, it felt as if she were reciting a prayer or a poem, pouring herself into the words.
People often ask how she reacted. Naturally, she smiled. She felt recognized and valued. The letter resonated with her, demonstrating that she mattered. It was both age-appropriate and profoundly meaningful.
Deciding to share this letter publicly was not an easy choice for our family. While we are active in our community, we cherish our privacy. We were concerned about drawing too much attention to Emma — positive or negative. This letter was meant for her, serving as a personal keepsake. That’s what made it truly special.
Yet, it carries a vital message for all children, both girls and boys. It’s not just a political statement. Let me clarify: it didn’t arrive via registered mail, nor did it come with instructions, appeals for funds, or a push to publicize it. We chose to share this letter because the message is universal. It comes from the first female nominee for president from a major political party, and it embodies love and hope — values our country sorely needs right now.
As Hillary wrote, “If the space that you’re in doesn’t have room for your voice, don’t be afraid to carve out a space of your own.” Emma’s face brightened at that line as she read it.
We hope other parents will share this letter with their children, replacing Emma’s name with their own. By doing so, we aim to create a space where voices can be heard — voices that advocate for respect, thoughtfulness, and love.
This experience serves as a reminder of the power of words and the importance of nurturing our future generations. For more insights on home insemination, check out our article on artificial insemination kits. Also, if you want to learn more about how AI is transforming reproduction, visit this authoritative source. For additional resources on pregnancy, you can refer to this excellent guide.
In summary, the letter from Hillary Clinton brought immense joy to my daughter, reinforcing her sense of worth. It serves as a powerful reminder of the love and encouragement that every child deserves.