Dear Mrs. Clinton,
My name is Heidi. I’m a 1st generation Chinese-Canadian mother of an 11 year-old girl. I stayed up late last night to follow the election results. When I finally saw the headline announcing Mr. Trump’s win, I cried. I felt crushed and disappointed. Even though I did not contribute to your campaign, I felt as though I had suffered a personal loss.
That being said, I’m writing to express my gratitude for all that you’ve done for us recently. There have been so many teachable moments during your campaign and as both a parent and a corporate citizen, I want to thank you for your leadership.
Here are some things that my daughter and I have had the opportunity to learn thanks to you:
Girls can do anything boys can do
Many are citing misogyny and the glass ceiling for your defeat. While I believe these played a part, what I choose to take from this experience is that you’ve gone further than any American woman before you, showing that the potential to reach the greatest of heights is absolutely there. You’ve cleared the path for many and in that regard, you’ve won – we all have.
Don’t let someone get the best of you
Donald Trump said some absurd things and behaved in stunningly poor ways during the campaign, in particular during the debates. But you did not stoop to his level. You remained focused and relatively non-reactive, despite the fact that you must have been screaming on the inside. I would have been. You demonstrated how it’s better to stay out of the muck from which your opponent squats. Character is everything.
Don’t react – act!
As President Obama said during this rally, if you don’t like the way something is going, do something productive about it. This clip also taught us that remaining respectful is so important because at the end of each day, you have your own behaviour to answer to.
It’s OK to feel sad
The commentators after your concession speech mentioned how emotional you were. With good reason! The last time I checked, you’re human and we feel emotions. It’s OK to show feelings, even in public.
Keep moving forward
It’s not OK to wallow, however. After some time, we must take a look at the situation we are in now and move forward. We see how far we’ve come, learn from our experiences, and keep going. To give up would be cheating ourselves of all the thing we want for ourselves because all of it is possible. That’s what you’ve showed us and for that, we are truly grateful.
Thank you.
Very sincerely,
Heidi & Nico
Blog? What blog? 