Earlier this summer, I decided to reach out to a prominent figure through her website, not expecting much beyond a generic response. I assumed my note would be read by a staff member who might chuckle at my enthusiasm, and I anticipated receiving a standard form letter, akin to those you get when signing an online petition.
Then, a surprise arrived in my mailbox last Thursday. Nestled among typical direct mail advertisements, I spotted a thin envelope marked with a recognizable “H” and a bold red arrow. It was addressed to my daughter, Mia.
Curiosity piqued, I brought it inside and held it up to the light, not wanting Mia to assume she had received something personal only to find it was a solicitation for donations. She had been considering using some of her allowance for a worthy cause, after all. Unsure of the contents, I opened the envelope. The name “Mia” jumped out at me, and I felt my hands tremble. The date on the letter was September 10, 2016—the day before Hillary Clinton left a memorial event amid media speculation about her health. Despite battling pneumonia, she had taken the time to reach out to my daughter.
I quickly texted my partner: “MIA GOT MAIL! THIS IS NOT A DRILL.”
As I drove to pick Mia up from school, I recalled her excitement. At seven years old, she still has that one front tooth missing, and every day she playfully hides by the side of the car, leaping in with her signature “Boo!” Today would be different, though.
“Guess what?” I said, trying to contain my excitement.
“Mia, you got a letter!” my son, Jake, chimed in.
“And it’s from Hillary Clinton!” I added.
Her eyes widened, and a huge smile spread across her face, her mouth agape in disbelief, snaggle tooth on display. I handed her the letter, urging her to read it aloud.
Mia’s reading skills are impressive for her age; she brings a dramatic flair to everything she reads, and this letter was no exception. As she read, it felt as if the words were a prayer or a heartfelt poem, resonating deeply.
When asked about her reaction, I can summarize it simply: she beamed with joy. The letter made her feel seen and valued. It was an age-appropriate yet profound moment, one that struck a chord in her young heart.
Deciding to share this experience publicly was not taken lightly by my family. We value our privacy and were concerned about the potential attention—both good and bad—that might come from revealing this heartfelt exchange. Our goal was to ensure Mia still felt this letter was special, a personal note just for her.
However, we believed the message within the letter was one that every child, regardless of gender, should hear. It wasn’t a political letter, and it certainly didn’t arrive with any strings attached or requests for donations. We, as her parents, felt compelled to share it because it carries a universal message of empowerment for children. 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.” That sentiment lit up Mia’s face as she read it aloud.
We hope that other parents will take the time to share this letter with their own children. It serves as a reminder that our voices matter and that we should cultivate an environment of respect, thoughtfulness, and love.
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In summary, a simple letter from a leader can inspire and empower our children in profound ways. Sharing such moments can help create a culture of encouragement and support, nurturing the voices of future generations.