Dear Mr. President:
In a few short weeks we will say goodbye to you and your family. As you return to a semi-private life and a retirement you earned so completely, I just can't let you leave without saying, "Thanks," from one American patriot who is very, very grateful for all you did for us in the face of incredible pressure, unjustified insults, attacks and blatant treachery by some of your countrymen to include the press, members of congresss and our intelligence services.
It wasn't yet a year into your first term when the world--and you--were changed forever. Within a breath, you were no longer the leader of a peaceful and worry-free world but instead; found yourself thrust into what were to be some of the hardest most gut wrenching and heartfelt decisions ever made by a United States president. Sadness, fear, uncertainty and bewilderment were the words describing the feelings of your countrymen. With each day, the fear became closer to anger. Then the anger, demanded justice. They turned to you and you came through.
As you said, those who ran from justice, would have justice, brought to them. You warned us it would a be a long struggle and the cost would be hard to bear. You knew what we would learn--that freedom, would not be free. I know you felt it deeply when you sent our military into the fray but I also know--as they did--it was the right thing to do. As the days turned into years you faced immeasurable pressure to concede--to surrender--to give up the fight. Thank God you stood firm and did the right thing.
Your leadership of our nation--not just the military but all of us--has been remarkable. You were not afraid to show your emotion. Your determination was not thwarted for a moment or by an inch--by the many detractors who saw a political advantage in second guessing virtually every breath you took and every thought or decision you and you alone, had to make on behalf of us all. Their methods were clearly cruel, unjust and transparent for what they were--simply attempts to elevate their own agendas regardless of the national security or our national image. News publications became enraged and in fact, treacherous, when you wouldn't do their bidding. I was, and am still, amazed, at your spine, your stalwart resolve and your humanity through it all.
You have been a president for whom I was and am still, very proud to have voted twice. You surrounded yourself with the brilliance of minds and depth of expertise one rarely sees in a single administration. While you were not afraid to delegate, you never once hid behind it. Unlike others who wanted to blame, you accepted your failures on your own chin; with your head held high just as humbly as your triumphs. You took time on many occasions to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of your fellow citizens and made those with whom you spoke privately, feel as though they were the only person who mattered to you at that moment.
I saw you interact with children on many occasions. Your love of kids is genuine and a precious site. As a father myself. it was easy to see genuine love in your eyes. You always showed this, Sir, not only to your own girls, but to any child who captured your attention. When the news of 9-11 was whispered as you sat in front of a kindergarten class, not a child in the room was frightened or startled because of the smooth, measured and courageous way in which you responded. I was very impressed and proud at your maturity and conservative, measured response.
Your relations with our soldiers, marines, airmen and sailors has been equally heartfelt and genuine and one could always see the admiration and love in your heart for your military.
I have seen you laugh, weep, think deeply and rarely, scold harshly. All, with the flesh and bone of a human being; remaining presidential and a true leader in doing so. While so many of us butcher our language daily, you took immeasurable grief for all of us when you did--always with a smile and self-effacing admission.
Finally, you did the one most important task we ever ask of our president.
YOU KEPT US SAFE!
Not one more attack. Not one! No more invasions of our homeland security have occurred under your watch. Through your leadership, dozens of future attacks have been discovered in their planning stages and have been stopped cold. With each occasion, I have offered a silent prayer, thanking God you were our president at this time against and this enemy and not, those who ran against you.
You, Mr. Bush, were the exact right man at the exact right time and one day, history will give you a special place among the few past presidents who really did, make a difference.
I offer this not simply because it is the right thing to say, but because very few, have actually earned it.Sir, I wish you peace, love, rewards and mostly, the joys a hero, deserves.
Thank You Mr. President. God bless.
