Nov 26, 2009

A special letter for Thanksgiving

I got a letter yesterday.
Not an ordinary missive. And certainly not an exclusive one, but still it made me smile. I got a letter from President Barack Obama yesterday. And it made me happy.
I'll attach a copy of it here for you to read, in case you didn't get one from him too.



Eleonora–

Tomorrow, Thanksgiving Day, Americans across the country will sit down together, count our blessings, and give thanks for our families and our loved ones.

American families reflect the diversity of this great nation. No two are exactly alike, but there is a common thread they each share.

Our families are bound together through times of joy and times of grief. They shape us, support us, instill the values that guide us as individuals, and make possible all that we achieve.

So tomorrow, I'll be giving thanks for my family–for all the wisdom, support, and love they have brought into my life.

But tomorrow is also a day to remember those who cannot sit down to break bread with those they love.

The soldier overseas holding down a lonely post and missing his kids. The sailor who left her home to serve a higher calling. The folks who must spend tomorrow apart from their families to work a second job, so they can keep food on the table or send a child to school.

We are grateful beyond words for the service and hard work of so many Americans who make our country great through their sacrifice. And this year, we know that far too many face a daily struggle that puts the comfort and security we all deserve painfully out of reach.

So when we gather tomorrow, let us also use the occasion to renew our commitment to building a more peaceful and prosperous future that every American family can enjoy.

It seems like a lifetime ago that a crowd met on a frigid February morning in Springfield, Illinois to set out on an improbable course to change our nation.

In the years since, Michelle and I have been blessed with the support and friendship of the millions of Americans who have come together to form this ongoing movement for change.

You have been there through victories and setbacks. You have given of yourselves beyond measure. You have enabled all that we have accomplished–and you have had the courage to dream yet bigger dreams for what we can still achieve.

So in this season of thanks giving, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to you, and my anticipation of the brighter future we are creating together.

With warmest wishes for a happy holiday season from my family to yours,


President Barack Obama




Image courtesy of
Nicole de Lagrave







Happy Thanksgiving!
Wishing you'll spend it like me around a table, embraced by friends, family, love and laughter.

Eleonora

25 comments:

  1. Awesome!!!!!!Happy Thanksgiving Lola.xx♥

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  2. In Canada Thanksgiving is in early October but I am thankful every day for my family and friends.
    Not so happy for the leaky roof my son just woke me up about at 4 a.m.

    I hope you are well Lola. Don't work too hard and have a love filled day.

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  3. I got one of those letters too! Happy Thanksgiving. The table looks so inviting.

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  4. thank you lola! your kind words are on the list of things thankful for. smiles. hope you and your family have an amazing day!

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  5. Isn't that lovely, a letter from the President of America! Now I'm wondering why he wrote to you- sorry, just being nosey.
    I'm thankful to have found you on blogland, for your very interesting posts, and especially for your recipes.
    Have a wonderful, peaceful, happy Thanksgiving Lola!

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  6. Doh! I just looked at your profile and now I know why he wrote to you! Can't understand why I never saw that before! Ditsy or what?

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  7. Hope your Thanksgiving takes you back home to your loved ones.

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  8. What a wonderful letter! I hope you have a fabulous day today.

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  9. Ciao Lola, It is always good to smile! You know that song, when your smiling the whole world smiles with you:))) Wonderful and Great Presidente! Happy Thanksgiving ! Chuck xx

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  10. Wonderful Thanksgiving message!

    Happ Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones! :-)

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  11. No I never got a letter now do I expect one, but I do want one. har har.

    So awesome Lolo.

    Today dear friend I am thankful because you are a part of my life.

    Love Renee xoxo

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  12. How wonderful, Lola, both that you received such an inspiring letter -- and that it made you happy. Happy Thanksgiving, and much appreciation for the delightful blog you share with us!

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  13. Hello Lola - how come the President wrote all these letters - did every American expat get one too or just the specially talented and beautiful ones.

    x

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  14. p.s am following you on Twitter now

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  15. What an honor dear Lola and encouraging; let me wish you and your fab family a happy and blessed Thanksgiving Day:)

    Oh me too, started following you on twitter:) Still trying to figure out but it is so funny indeed.

    Buona notte & cari saluti.

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  16. You're the best :)

    xoxo enjoy your thanksgiving celebrations.

    Here in Australia it is not something we celebrate.

    x Ribbon :)

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  17. Eli, amazing letter! Loved it and would love to see you soon, will be in Roma with my family around New Year´s, will you be there? Please write to my e-mail cbentley@condenast.es and let me know.

    Lots of love,
    Claudia

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  18. Eleanora,

    A beautiful post...inspiring words shared...lovely photos from a lady with a beautiful heart! Happy Thanksgiving to you!!! With love, Janine XO

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  19. Wonderful Lola!

    You know I got that letter too! And Im in Australia ;) (I subscribed to his mailing list... cos im a big fan...)

    Hope your thanksgiving was full of joy... and delicious food (theres really no question it was)

    Sending you my warmest love,

    M

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  20. Did you get my other comment? Saying thanks for sharing the Prez' letter with us. And for your recent visit to my blog. Hugs to you and the little one. xo

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  21. I just feel in love...


    your page here is wonderful...

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  22. Thanksgiving. Ours is long past. Always favored the American one. Such a full and rich feeling. When I lived in the States I found more goodwill and standstill on Thanksgiving than I did on Christmas day. It was strange to me but I did enjoy it.

    Hope your family is well.
    xo
    erin

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  23. Awesome. Happy Thanksgiving to you Lola. Hugs Myriam

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  24. Hey! Just wanted to let you know that I nominated you for an award! Come check it out at my place to accept it. :) Congratulations!

    http://serendipitous-natalie.blogspot.com/2009/12/my-first-blog-award.htm

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