Only a select few know what it’s like to grow up in the White Hose, then suddenly return to being just another family. Barbara Bush and Jenna Bush Hager are two of those people.
To help the Obama daughters transition back into normal life, the daughters of former president George Bush have offered up a few wise words to the Obama girls in an open letter published by TIME magazine.
“In eight years, you have done so much. Seen so much,” the Bush twins wrote.
“We have watched you grow from girls to impressive young women with grace and ease.”
They recalled their first meeting with the girls at the Washington mansion back in 2008, where they showed them around the halls and offered them advice as children who had lived through what they were about to.
Now, they have more advice as they embark on this new chapter in their lives.
“You are about to join another rarefied club, one of former First Children – a position you didn’t seek and one with no guidelines.”
They asked the girls never forget the “wonderful people” who work at the White House, and recalled a florist who made them feel welcome at their grandfather’s inauguration (George H.W. Bush, who took office in 1989); years later she would do the flowers at Jenna’s wedding.
They asked they value and stay in touch with the secret service, who ensured their safety during everything from first dates to first days.
“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.”
They advised the girls enjoy college, explore their passions and learn who they are, without the shadow of their dad’s important role.
“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.”
This is not the first time the Bush twins have reached out to the Obama daughters. They wrote a similar letter in 2009 which was published in the Wall Street Journal.
