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Read The Bush Sisters' Letter To Malia & Sasha

by Kaitlin Kimont

This week has already been an emotional rollercoaster in the world of politics. There was President Barack Obama’s powerful farewell speech in Chicago, an explosive unconfirmed dossier containing some pretty interesting alleged information about Donald Trump’s personal and financial life that was leaked on the same day (alleged), and then yesterday, the president-elect finally held his first press conference in 187 days. Now, this beautiful letter from the Bush sisters to Malia and Sasha Obama will make you emotional all over again — though, luckily at least, this new development might actually warm your heart.

In an open letter to the Obama daughters, published by Time magazine on Thursday, President George W. Bush's twin daughters — Barbara Bush and Jenna Bush Hager — offered advice to the Obama daughters as they will soon also be former first kids, something that only a handful of select people will ever experience.

"Malia and Sasha, eight years ago on a cold November day, we greeted you on the steps of the White House. We saw both the light and wariness in your eyes as you gazed at your new home," the 35-year-old Bush daughters wrote, recalling the memorable experiences the Obama sisters have had over their years in the White House and the first advice they gave to them back in 2008 when they welcomed them into the rooms that were once their own.

They continued, "We have watched you grow from girls to impressive young women with grace and ease."

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"Now you are about to join another rarified club, one of former First Children — a position you didn't seek and one with no guidelines," the Bush sisters wrote. "But you have so much to look forward to. You will be writing the story of your lives, beyond the shadow of your famous parents, yet you will always carry with you the experiences of the past eight years."

Throughout the letter, the Bush sisters sympathized that being a first kid wasn't always easy, like dealing with a constant Secret Service detail on them as teenage girls or standing quietly by their parents when they were "reduced to headlines."

"We know it wasn’t always easy — the two of you and the two of us were teenagers trailed by men in backpacks — but they put their lives on hold for us," the letter continued. "You have lived through the unbelievable pressure of the White House. You have listened to harsh criticism of your parents by people who had never even met them. You stood by as your precious parents were reduced to headlines."

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But, even though at times being a first daughter was challenging, the Bush daughters admitted that those experiences in the White House, the people they met along the way, and the lessons they learned actually helped dictate the people they've become today. And they encouraged Malia and Sasha to reflect on those priceless moments as they enter this next chapter of their lives.

"Explore your passions. Learn who you are. Make mistakes—you are allowed to," the letter continued. "Take all that you have seen, the people you have met, the lessons you have learned, and let that help guide you in making positive change. We have no doubt you will."

In the midst of this tense political week, the Bush sister's sweet open letter of advice to Malia and Sasha was a heartwarming gesture that the nation certainly needed as we all reminiscence over the last eight pivotal years and savor the last few days of an Obama presidency.