Michelle Obama's advice to American parents on the Tucson shootings

Here's an "Open Letter to Parents" from First Lady Michelle Obama just posted on the White House blog:

Dear parents,

Like so many Americans all across the country, Barack and I were shocked and heartbroken by the horrific act of violence committed in Arizona this past weekend. Yesterday, we had the chance to attend a memorial service and meet with some of the families of those who lost their lives, and both of us were deeply moved by their strength and resilience in the face of such unspeakable tragedy.

As parents, an event like this hits home especially hard. It makes our hearts ache for those who lost loved ones. It makes us want to hug our own families a little tighter. And it makes us think about what an event like this says about the world we live in -– and the world in which our children will grow up.

In the days and weeks ahead, as we struggle with these issues ourselves, many of us will find that our children are struggling with them as well. The questions my daughters have asked are the same ones that many of your children will have –- and they don’t lend themselves to easy answers.

But they will provide an opportunity for us as parents to teach some valuable lessons -– about the character of our country, about the values we hold dear, and about finding hope at a time when it seems far away.

We can teach our children that here in America, we embrace each other, and support each other, in times of crisis.  And we can help them do that in their own small way -– whether it’s by sending a letter, or saying a prayer, or just keeping the victims and their families in their thoughts.

We can teach them the value of tolerance -– the practice of assuming the best, rather than the worst, about those around us. We can teach them to give others the benefit of the doubt, particularly those with whom they disagree.

We can also teach our children about the tremendous sacrifices made by the men and women who serve our country and by their families.

We can explain to them that although we might not always agree with those who represent us, anyone who enters public life does so because they love their country and want to serve it.

Christina Green felt that call. She was just nine years old when she lost her life. But she was at that store that day because she was passionate about serving others. She had just been elected to her school’s student council, and she wanted to meet her Congresswoman and learn more about politics and public life.

And that’s something else we can do for our children -– we can tell them about Christina and about how much she wanted to give back. 

We can tell them about John Roll, a judge with a reputation for fairness; about Dorothy Morris, a devoted wife to her husband, her high school sweetheart, to whom she’d been married for 55 years; about Phyllis Schneck, a great-grandmother who sewed aprons for church fundraisers; about Dorwan Stoddard, a retired construction worker who helped neighbors down on their luck; and about Gabe Zimmerman, who did community outreach for Congresswoman Giffords, working tirelessly to help folks who were struggling, and was engaged to be married next year. 

We can tell them about the brave men and women who risked their lives that day to save others. And we can work together to honor their legacy by following their example –- by embracing our fellow citizens; by standing up for what we believe is right; and by doing our part, however we can, to serve our communities and our country.

Sincerely,  Michelle Obama

Related Items:

Gabrielle Giffords first waking moments: Eyewitness accounts from her Tucson hospital room

Gabrielle Giffords first photos from her hospital room

Tucson Memorial Service remarks by Gov. Jan Brewer and President Obama

Photo: Mike Nelson / EPA (Obama at the Tucson memorial service, Jan. 12, 2011)

Comments

[Bee Gomez]

Why does anyone bother with this mish-mash of platitudes? Thinking good thoughts does precisely nothing.

[First lady is a great mother]

Michelle Obama was a guest of Mike Huckabee a couple of weeks before
Christmas.The tone of the interview was very cordial and I thought the
discussion was very interesting also.Michelle is a dedicated mother and her
letter is very appropriate as no doubt many youngsters will have been shocked
by the Tucson episode and will be asking questions to their parents and in some
cases no doubt showing signs of despair.Michelle's letter will be helpfull to parents wishing to comfort their children about the tragedy.

[Alf Walters]

I think that Obama's speech yesterday on this subject really showed just what a compassionate man he really is. I think that he spoke for everyone and brought us all together under one umbrella and we have all demonstrated such empathy and compassion for those poor souls who lost their lives in such a calous terrible way.
The people in Arizona proved to us what we really always thought and that is that we Americans are an extremely caring and considerate race and VERY brave in times of severe danger. Out of this disaster has come at least a national sense of unity. I cried with sorrow and a mixture of pride at ordinary peoples braveness and regard for others.
It is always so sad how calamity is often the only time we feel united as a country.

[RoBoTech]

"Alf Walters
I think that Obama's speech yesterday on this subject really showed just what a compassionate man he really is."

HAAAAHAAAAAAAA (wipes tears from eyes)'
Maybe YOU think that.
But there's plenty that don't.
Obama is a Socialist Dictator in the making. he only has compassion for his own. Regular WHITE Americans? Naaaah, not so much.
You have your opinion, I have mine.
I think he is a JOKE on America, and is a SOCIALIST LIAR.
There, you had YOUR say, and I just had mine.

[Connie]

Mrs Obama you are a great lady keep up the good work you have inspired so many women the media don't have a clue about your impacy on our lives May God Bless you always.
I am praying for you and the family daily,Be Blessed

[concerned]

Jared Loughner received the 'benefit of the doubt,' and too many died because so many were tolerant of his behavior.

[Barry Hussein]

She is trying her best to reach out from her pedestal. It isn't easy to say the right thing and she knows that people in the US are split in great part because of the radical agenda endorsed by her husband and his supporters. She also knows that the ship of radical change has sailed and now it is about holding onto whatever power is possible with a modicum of grace and dignity. It isn't easy watching your spouse fail in their mission.