By Yvonne Nyenhuis
Life is full of surprises, including the results of the election and the former President George W. Bush taking up portrait painting!
Before the election, a little girl in kindergarten asked, “Why can’t we keep the President we have?”
The day after the election, I had a telephone call from my best friend in Pennsylvania. She was jubilant. With boundless enthusiasm she told me that President–elect Trump would clean up the corruption in Washington (drain the swamp) and how he is for “the little people!” I was delighted to hear the happiness in her voice, but at the same time, astonished that anyone could believe this to be true.
The comedian Larry Wilmore, when hosting the NBA awards, asked the question, “Is this country ready for a “white” President?”
As we approach a new year and a new chapter in our history, I want you to know how much it has meant to me that you have been standing watch over our country for these last eight years. On January 20, 2009 I watched with unmeasured joy as you became the 44th President of the United States.
In “Dreams from My Father” you shared how as a young man you realized that what gives life meaning is serving others. You described your experience working as a community organizer in Chicago. It was during this time that you embraced Christianity. You were drawn to the words of Jesus who taught that “we should love one another, feed the hungry, heal the sick and that the rich should care for the poor. We are told not to judge others and to love our enemies, that his love includes everyone. In the Christmas story the angels tell the shepherds, “Behold we bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to ‘all’ people!”
I admire your personal integrity. You are not motivated by ego, acquiring wealth, or power. You see working in government as a way of serving the people in this country. Family is your first priority. You missed having a father when you were growing up. Because of this, you have been determined to be a part of the daily lives of your wife and daughters. Listening to them and laughing with them helps you to keep your life in perspective.
I never miss any of your speeches. I always find inspiration in your words. You continually amaze me with your unfailing ability to rise to any occasion. My favorite memory came when you sang “Amazing Grace” as part of the eulogy for the slain Charleston church pastor Clementa Pinckney. It was a magical moment!
When you took office, you did not promise to “keep us safe.” Your words were “I will do everything in my power” to keep you safe. While you have the courage to confront adversity, you prefer diplomacy, when possible, to a military solution in solving problems. You have worked to partner with other countries, believing rightly that we should build a coalition in concert with other nations to fight against the evil in the world.
Temperament and self control are essential in leadership. You are a master at using wit and humor to diffuse hostility and insults. You are at ease in public, with informal situations, and to our delight, as a guest on talk shows. Somehow you always emerge with your grace and dignity intact.
Perhaps the most important characteristic required by a President is good judgment. It is necessary to collect as much information as possible and have in your arsenal an abundance of facts. Your judgment was first tested when you chose the members of your cabinet. When it came to staff you chose wisely. Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton and John Kerry, among others, have put love of country ahead of personal ambition and share with you the desire to serve the citizens of this country.
In closing, I wish you and your family happiness in your new life.
With Gratitude, I am sincerely, Yvonne Nyenhuis in Lanesboro, Minn.