President-elect Barack Obama his wife Michelle Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia grace the January 18, 2009 Parade Magazine cover. See the cover, photos and recent video here. Parade asked the incoming President and devoted father, “to get personal and tell us what he wants for his children” and in response, he shared “A Letter to My Daughters” which the magazine has published in its entirety online and which will appear in the print edition, two days before the historic Presidential Inauguration Day, January 20, 2009.

Dear Malia and Sasha,

I know that you’ve both had a lot of fun these last two years 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. 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.

When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me-about how I’d make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn’t seem so important anymore.

Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, with daughters Sasha and Malia in 2004

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.

Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, with daughters Sasha and Malia during the Presidential campaign

I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential-schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college-even if their parents aren’t rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity.

Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, with daughters Sasha and Malia in Grant Park, Chicago, Election Night, November 4, 2008

I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you’ll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other.

Continue reading….‘What I Want for You — and Every Child in America’ By President-elect Barack Obama

Via Telegraph.co.uk: Barack Obama writes emotional letter to daughters Malia and Sasha

Photo credit: Parade Magazine, Getty Images North America, Obama-Biden Transition

Here is video on the transition the Obama family makes as they move to the White House, featuring behind the scenes footage of the White House and staff from Paula Wolfson VOA News.

YouTube Link

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Barack Obama Parade Magazine ‘Letter to My Daughters’ January 2009 Cover, Photos pics pictures