THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Jan. 20, 1993
Dear Bill,
When I walked into this office just now I felt the same sense of wonder and respect that I felt four years ago. I know you will feel that, too.
I wish you great happiness here. I never felt the loneliness some Presidents described.
There will be very tough times, made even more difficult by criticism you may not think is fair. I'm not a very good one to give advice, but just don't let the critics discourage you or push you off course.
You will be our President when you read this note. I wish you well. I wish your family well.
Your success now is our country's success. I am rooting hard for you.
Good luck -
George [H.W. Bush]
I know this kind of gesture is not what we are expecting of our leaders in these contentious and divisive times. But it does show the heights from which we have fallen to land where we are currently. Who knows? Maybe our leaders will one day, especially if we encourage them in this direction, if we insist on no less than this of them, lead with a similar sense of grace and integrity and dignity. We're still, after all, near the beginning of a new year, when even the most outlandish things seem possible.
Grace and Hope to you,
Pastor Duane
