In 2014, I experienced the unimaginable loss of my infant daughter, Anna, in my arms. This heart-wrenching event transformed my life irrevocably. A few weeks later, my husband and I realized something profound: we were no longer afraid of anything. The devastation of losing Anna had stripped away our fears, allowing us to embrace life with newfound courage and hope, even amid our sorrow.
This sense of bravery lingered within me until I saw Donald Trump secure the Republican nomination for president. Suddenly, I felt fear creeping back in—fear of the vitriol and divisiveness at the core of his rhetoric, the void in his policies, and his relentless pursuit of self-interest. The normalization of hate speech in American politics is alarming, and observing Trump’s rise from afar in Amsterdam, I couldn’t shake the unsettling parallels to the political climate of the 1930s.
In Amsterdam, a city marked by its own history of loss, I began volunteering at the Anne Frank House. The lessons of Anne’s story resonate deeply, showcasing the roles of victims, perpetrators, helpers, and bystanders throughout history. This election is more than just a clash of political platforms; it starkly contrasts the humanity of the candidates. While I can’t say for sure whether Donald Trump is a genuinely kind person or simply playing a role for ratings, I do know that Hillary Clinton embodies compassion, generosity, and a commitment to action.
I’m sharing this personal email from Hillary because I refuse to remain silent. The recent convention aimed to tackle her so-called “likeability” issue, a topic that Ezra Klein refers to as “the gap” between those who know her and the public perception. I’ve had the privilege of knowing Hillary for nearly two decades through her daughter, my dear friend, Sarah.
When Sarah spoke at the convention, she described her mother as “wonderful, thoughtful, and hilarious,” emphasizing that Hillary perseveres through the chaos of politics because she never forgets the people she’s fighting for. Their family motto, as Sarah often says, is “get caught trying.”
What speaks volumes about a person are the values shown through their family. It was incredibly touching when Sarah, despite having a newborn, came to support me during Anna’s memorial service. Just before her arrival, I received this heartfelt email:
Subject: Thinking of You
Dear Jamie,
When Sarah arrives to be with you, she’ll carry my love and support for you and your family as you navigate this painful time. If there’s anything I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Love, Hillary
I have countless stories that highlight Hillary’s authenticity, her grace under fire, and her unwavering dedication. However, the words in this email reveal more about her character than any tale I could share. The Clintons are not bystanders; they act and care deeply. Especially Hillary.
Let’s focus on the qualities we need in a leader—intelligence, compassion, integrity, and resilience. Only one candidate embodies these traits.
This article was originally published on Aug. 17, 2016.
For more insights, check out this other blog post on home insemination, a topic that is gaining attention. If you’re looking for comprehensive resources on this journey, this link has what you need. Plus, this site is an excellent source for pregnancy and home insemination information.
Summary
In a heartfelt letter, Jamie L. Carter reflects on personal loss and how it shaped her views on character and leadership, particularly in relation to Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Through a touching email from Hillary, Jamie emphasizes the importance of compassion, action, and integrity in political leadership, urging readers to consider the qualities they seek in a president.