Sometimes we need a reminder of better days. A time when if you wrote a letter to the president and received a response, it would be eloquent, empathetic and supportive.
Back in October 2012, before the Supreme Court made marriage equality the law of the land, a little girl named Sophia Bailey-Klugh was being bullied.
Sophia's classmates teased her because she had two dads in a loving relationship. It was difficult for the child to bear.
So she wrote a letter to her "hero" President Barack Obama.
The letter reads,
"Dear Barack Obama,
It's Sophia Bailey Klugh. Your friend who invited you to dinner. You don't remember okay that's fine.
But I just wanted to tell you that I am so glad you agree that two men can love each other because I have two dads and they love each other. But at school kids think that it's gross and weird but it really hurts my heart and feelings.
So I come to you because you are my hero. If you were me and you had two dads that loved each other, and kids at school teased you about it, what would you do?
Please respond!
I just wanted to say you really inspire me, and I hope you win on being the president. You would totally make the world a better place.
Your friend Sophia
P.S. Please tell your daughters Hi for me!"
It's a heartbreaking letter, and not the kind of thing a child should ever go through.
President Obama, ever the picture of class, responded to the letter, empathy evident in his reply.
Facebook: Jonathan Bailey
"Dear Sophia,
Thank you for writing me such a thoughtful letter about your family. Reading it made me proud to be your president and even more hopeful about the future of our nation.
In America, no two families look the same. We celebrate this diversity. And we recognize that whether you have two dads or one mom what matters above all is the love we show one another. You are very fortunate to have two parents who care deeply for you. They are lucky to have such an exceptional daughter in you.
Our differences unite us. You and I are blessed to live in a country where we are born equal no matter what we look like on the outside, where we grow up, or who our parents are. A good rule is to treat others the way you hope they will treat you. Remind your friends at school about this rule if they say something that hurts your feelings.
Thanks again for taking the time to write to me. I'm honored to have your support and inspired by your compassion. I'm sorry I couldn't make it to dinner, but I'll be sure to tell Sasha and Malia you say hello.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama"
All these years later and this letter is still a perfect representation of the former president's class and compassion. It gets shared every few years when we need it.
The fathers of the girl have shared it themselves.
We really miss having him as our president.
Sometimes it only takes a few minutes to send a few words of support and kindness to a child with a broken heart. The fact President Obama had that capacity while still running the country is commendable.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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