Today, you were inaugurated to an office I hold sacred. Raised to believe that the men who have sat in that chair were motivated to make our country better. Certainly not all have done so but there are men who have held that office that have inspired me deeply.
So, after school pick up, children piled together I asked: "Do you know what happened today? Do you know what Inauguration day is?" Kail (nearly 8) told me he watched it school, from previous talks he knew: "The Bad President is there now." That's right sir, all on his own, my son calls you "The Bad President". For in 2nd Grade he understands the hatred in your speech. Hilariously today, he came up with a new name for you: "I think he should be called McDonald Trump".
I did not want my children to feel fear so I asked them: "What can we do if we don't like the President?" Immediately Joshua (age 4) pipes up with "We BE NICE!" and I was so proud of him. That I have raised a child who when immediately faced with "We don't like" his response is one of love. Kail too offered that we can talk to people and be good to them.
As I faced my own feelings about today. I was inspired by a vlogger who spoke from a Native American perspective. "We are strong, we keep the faith, we pray and we fight." That helped me stay together. Inspired me not to be apathetic in my patriotism, to make my voice heard to those who represent me in our government. You have inspired me to be a better American and follow policy with an attention I have not had before.
I am committed to being as peaceful a voice possible against the things you have said that are wounding to the people you represent. I am deeply encouraged in the children I'm raising. That they look at the man who leads our Nation and respond with kindness. As my oldest and I talked, we decided we are going to write letters, to our Senators about our feelings on your election. You've got me doing a writing activity with them, thank you so much for that!
I am not a perfect parent but I'm raising the next generation and what I see in my boys is strong character already developing. Children to a man who served our country. I look at your values and I see that you tie money and worth together. Let me tell you, they are not as fortunate as your children, but in who they are- they are rich indeed.
Thank you for being one of the best lessons I have had with my children. As you have campaigned I have had beautiful moments with them about humanity. I have realized how important it is to expose them to other cultures and different people. That they never be afraid of someone who looks or acts differently. It has become more paramount to me for where hatred blazes my children are lights of love.
It's a privilege to be sure; because my lilly white kids aren't the objects of your hatred. That you can be a lesson in love without directly hurting them. That fact is not lost on me. It means I will continue to work as hard as I can to be an ambassador of peace and voice of love. Truly, you've made me a better person.
Hannah Nurrieum