The president-elect and devoted family man was asked by Parade magazine to write his personal thoughts to his girls -- Sasha, 7 and Malia, 10 -- and expresses his hopes for them as he prepares to take over one of the most important jobs in the world.
In the letter, appearing in Parade's Jan. 18 issue, Obama tells his daughters he knows they had "a lot of fun" on the campaign trail the last two years, going to picnics, parades, state fairs and eating "all sorts of junk food." "But I also know that it hasn't always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn't make up for all the time we've been apart."
Obama writes that his daughters were foremost in his mind when he decided to undertake the biggest political race of his life. "In the end, girls, that's why I ran for president: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation." He also encourages his daughters to "take up that work" that will make America a better place.
The soon-to-be First Dad ends his letter with, "I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House. Love, Dad."
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