Letter from the Prez

Back in January, Julia wrote this letter to President Bush after she was mortified to learn that her grandmother cannot get health insurance because of a mental illness.

Well, Chad went out to get the mail yesterday and came back in with a big brown envelope that had "THE WHITE HOUSE" as the return address! It was a form letter that basically said how he appreciates her thoughtful suggestions, and how she can grow up to build a better America with her compassion, character and education. "Mrs. Bush and I send our best wishes. May God bless you, and may God bless America." It's on official White House letterhead with the Presidential seal and his signature, and a picture was also included. How cool is that!

Also this weekend, this was the first year that Julia got very interested in the Kentucky Derby and she really looked forward to Saturday's race. This was also the year that a horse had to be euthanized right after the race. Yuck. Julia and I have both been sad about the Eight Belles tragedy.

On a happier note, it's time for some Sunday night silliness at the Nall house:

Dear Mr. President

The other day, Julia and I were talking about some of the challenges her grandmother faces as an American with a mental illness. Julia was outraged to learn that her Meemaw can't get insurance because of her condition and said, "We need to write the President about that." She came home yesterday with this letter, which we are mailing today:

Dear Mr. President,

My grandma has a mental illness and no insurance company will cover her. I think it is unfair that people won't help her because they don't want to lose money. To me, it sounds like when black people were not given the same rights as white people all over again. Before your term is over in the White House, maybe you could make a law declaring that people with disabilities like my grandma can have insurance.

Sincerely,

Julia Nall
age 9