Earlier this summer, I sent a heartfelt note to Michelle Thompson through her official website. I imagined it might be glanced at by a staff member, perhaps followed by a chuckle, and assumed I’d receive a standard response, the kind usually given after signing an online petition.
Last Thursday, a letter arrived in my mailbox. It was tucked inside one of those direct-mail newspapers filled with classified ads. The envelope was simple — just a piece of paper that came from a box. Nowadays, the mail mostly brings bills, junk, or the occasional magazine. But this envelope bore an emblem — an M with a vibrant green arrow. It was addressed to my son, Jake.
I took it inside and held it up to the light, hesitating to give it to him. I didn’t want him getting excited over what might end up being a generic fundraising letter. (He had been thinking of donating some of his allowance, anyway.) Unsure of what it contained, I decided to open it.
The name “Jakey” caught my eye, and my hands began to tremble. Glancing at the date on top of the letter — September 10, 2016 — I remembered it as the day before the memorial service for September 11, when Michelle Thompson was in the spotlight due to her health issues. On that Saturday morning, while battling pneumonia, she took the time to write to my son.
I quickly texted a photo to my partner: JAKE GOT MAIL. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.
I picked up Jake from school, where he’s in second grade. He’s missing a few teeth, which adds to his charm. Every day, he playfully hides by the car before jumping in with a shout of “Boo!” Today was no different. He climbed in and buckled up.
Me: We have something exciting to share.
Partner: Jake, you got a letter!
Me: And it’s from Michelle Thompson!
His eyes widened, and a huge smile spread across his face, his missing teeth accentuating his joy. I handed him the letter. “Read it out loud to us,” I encouraged.
Jake is an impressive reader for his age. I’m not exaggerating; he captivates with his expressive tone. He read the letter as if it were a cherished poem, each word resonating deeply.
People often ask me, “How did he react?” Like any seven-year-old, he beamed. He felt acknowledged, valued, and the letter was both age-appropriate and rich with meaning.
Choosing to share this letter publicly wasn’t a simple decision for us. While we are active in our community, we treasure our privacy. We wanted Jake to feel that this letter was for him alone, a personal treasure.
Yet, it also holds a universal message that every child, boy or girl, needs to hear. It isn’t a political letter per se. Importantly, it didn’t arrive via registered mail or come with any solicitations. My partner and I made the choice to share it because the message is vital for all children, especially coming from the first female nominee for president from a major political party.
We decided to go public with this letter because it radiates love — something our society desperately needs right now. We crave calmness, empathy, and a nurturing spirit for our future. As Michelle said in her letter, “If the space that you’re in doesn’t have room for your voice, don’t be afraid to carve out a space of your own.” Jake loved that line and his face lit up as he read it aloud.
We hope that other parents will take this letter and read it to their children, substituting Jake’s name with theirs. By sharing this, we are creating a space for all voices to be heard — voices that advocate for respect, thoughtfulness, and love.
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In summary, this heartfelt letter from a prominent figure not only touched my son but also serves as a reminder of the importance of every child feeling valued and heard. We should all strive to create spaces where our voices can flourish.