A few months back, I decided to reach out to Hillary Clinton through her official website. I figured my note would likely be chuckled at by an aide and answered with a generic reply, much like the ones you receive after signing online petitions. However, last Thursday brought an unexpected surprise: a letter arrived in my mailbox. It was tucked into one of those direct-mail newspapers filled with classified ads. The thin envelope, just a simple piece of paper, caught my eye. In this age, we mostly receive bills, solicitations, or the occasional newsletter, so a letter was a delightful anomaly. I recognized the signature icon — an H with a red arrow — and noticed it was addressed to my daughter.
I brought it inside, holding it up to the light. I hesitated to give it to my daughter, Emma, fearing she might think it was a personal note, only to discover it was a solicitation for funds (she had been planning to donate some of her allowance anyway). Curiosity got the better of me, so I opened it.
I saw the word “Emmaly” and felt my hands tremble. I glanced back at the top of the letter: dated September 10, 2016, just a day before the controversy erupted when Clinton exited the 9/11 memorial service in New York with pneumonia. That Saturday morning, while battling her illness, Hillary Clinton wrote to my daughter.
I quickly texted my husband: EMMA GOT MAIL. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.
Later, my son Leo and I picked Emma up from school. She’s in second grade, missing one of her front teeth. Every day, she “hides” by the side of the car and jumps in with a dramatic “Boo!” She climbed in and started fastening her seatbelt.
Me: We have something exciting to share!
Leo: Emma, you got a letter!
Me: And it’s from Hillary Clinton!
Her cheeks lit up, her brown eyes wide with surprise, mouth agape, snaggle tooth on display. I handed her the letter. “Read it to us,” I encouraged.
Emma is an exceptional reader for her age. She reads with flair, a little bookworm with a flair for the dramatic. As she read the letter aloud, it felt as though she was sharing a cherished secret or reciting poetry.
People often ask me, “How did she react?” Well, she reacted like any 7-year-old would — with pure joy. The letter made her feel seen and valued. It was age-appropriate yet deeply resonant.
Deciding to share this letter publicly was a tough choice for our family. We are active in our community but also value our privacy. We didn’t want Emma to become the center of attention — good or bad. We wanted her to feel this letter was uniquely hers. After all, it was a personal correspondence. That personal touch is what makes it so meaningful.
However, this message is one that every child, girl or boy, needs to hear. It isn’t a political message, and let me clarify: it didn’t arrive via certified mail, nor did it come with a solicitation or request to share it publicly. We chose to make it public because it conveys a vital message for all children, especially coming from a historical figure — the first female nominee for president from a major political party.
We released this letter because it embodies love, something our country desperately needs right now. We need calm minds, empathy, and a commitment to nurturing the next generation. As Hillary writes, “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 beamed at that line, her face lighting up as she read it.
We hope other parents will share this letter with their children. Substitute our child’s name with yours. In sharing this letter, we are carving out a space for our voices to be heard — voices that advocate for respectful dialogue, thoughtfulness, and love.
This article originally published on November 4, 2016.
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Summary:
In a heartfelt recounting, Rachel Greenfield shares the moment her daughter Emma received a personal letter from Hillary Clinton. The letter, written while Clinton was battling pneumonia, became a source of joy and empowerment for Emma, who felt valued and heard. The family decided to share this experience publicly to highlight the importance of such messages for all children. They encourage other parents to read the letter to their kids, replacing Emma’s name, fostering a culture of respect and love.