A letter to Malia and Sasha

"Dear Malia and Sasha,

I know that you've both had a lot of fun these last two years... eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn't have let you have.

...I also know that it hasn't always been easy for you and Mom, and... it doesn't make up for all the time we've been apart. I know how much I've missed these past two years...

When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me... then the two of you came into my world... And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn't seem so important anymore.

I want... children to go to schools worthy of their potential...

I want them to have the chance to go to college-even if their parents aren't rich...

I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits...jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity.

I want us to push the boundaries of discovery...and make our planet cleaner and safer.

I want us to...reach beyond the divides...that keep us from seeing the best in each other.

I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans(our veterans) fight for are not free-that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility.

...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.

I hope...you will take up that work...Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country...-although you do have that obligation.

...you have an obligation to yourself...that you will realize your true potential.

...I want for you-to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach...

... I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream...

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...

Love, Dad"

This letter eloquently speaks to the hopes of the future for our country. It also speaks to a future that I hope all our children & grandchildren will be part of...a future of hope and limitless possibilities.