Once again the Bush family displays true class, graciousness and generosity of spirit.
George W. and Laura Bush’s twin daughters, Jenna and Barbara, wrote an open letter at Time.com to President Obama’s daughters, Malia and Sasha, as they prepare to leave the White House.
The letter is one of advice and thoughtfulness of what they would have appreciated hearing when their dad left the presidency.
The Bush’s first reminisce about meeting the Obama girls in January 2009 at the White House and showed them around. The sisters then went on to offer what guidance they had for being former First Children.
Never forget the wonderful people who work at the White House. Our greeter as 7-year-olds at our grandfather’sInauguration was Nancy, the White House florist, who ushered us in from the cold. She helped us make colorful bouquets of winter flowers for our grandparents’ bedside. Twenty years later, Nancy did the flowers for Jenna’s wedding. Cherish your own Nancy. We stay in touch with our Secret Service. They were part of growing up for us: there for first dates, first days and even an engagement and a honeymoon. We know it wasn’t always easy—the two of you and the two of us were teenagers trailed by men in backpacks—but they put their lives on hold for us.
Enjoy college. As most of the world knows, we did. And you won’t have the weight of the world on your young shoulders anymore. Explore your passions. Learn who you are. Make mistakes—you are allowed to. Continue to surround yourself with loyal friends who know you, adore you and will fiercely protect you. Those who judge you don’t love you, and their voices shouldn’t hold weight. Rather, it’s your own hearts that matter.
Take all that you have seen, the people you have met, the lessons you have learned, and let that help guide you in making positive change. We have no doubt you will.
You can read the letter in its entirety here.
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