In the midst of the chaotic preparations for Inauguration Day, President-elect Barack Obama has written a letter to his daughters that will be published this Sunday in Parade magazine.He apologizes to his girls for not being able to spend as much time with them during the campaign as he would have liked, saying, "I know that you've both had a lot of fun these last two year on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn't have let you have. But I also know that it hasn't always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn't make up for all the time we've been apart."
He thanks them for their support and then goes on to tell them, "I know how much I've missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey."
In his explanation, he elucidates, "I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn't count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours... In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation."
After much more explanation, he end his letter with praise for the girls. "I am so proud of both of you," he says, "I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House."
