Dear Hillary,
I’ve started this letter so many times, and no matter how many times I write it, I can’t seem to find the words to accurately describe all of the things I feel. While there are many things to say, I know the most important would be thank you.
Thank you for taking the high road during so many low points; for being a true example of resilience, and showing so many that the journey is just as important as the destination.
Thank you for lending your voice to so many who feel voiceless, and using your agency to help advance the lives of many who are often overlooked.
Thank you for helping to redefine gender roles, and showing my daughter her place is wherever she wants it to be.
Thank you for showing her, and the millions of other young girls and women, that they matter and their contribution to our world makes a difference.
Thank you for being open to change and your willingness to listen, learn, and grow from those around you. Thank you for bringing multiple voices to the table, trusting them and their experiences, and not being afraid to make yourself vulnerable.
Thank you for standing in front, and even in the most difficult times, for staying there, standing firm for what you believe. Thank you for never backing down, for acknowledging your faults; showing us, you, too, are human. Thank you for showing us not to be afraid to make mistakes, and to focus on progress, not perfection.
As I sit here today, my heart is still heavy. While we didn’t get out desired outcome, I’m proud of the fight, and reminded our story isn’t finished. This was just a chapter, but because of you, many others will now pick up their pens and paper and continue to write. Thank you for being the ink in our well. Because of you, our story continues…
Thank you.
Always with you,
Marques E. Johnson