PALIN'S IS ALMOST AS GOOD, AND WOULD'VE BEEN JUST AS GOOD IF IT WAS A LITTLE SHORTER.Executive Mansion,
Washington, Nov. 21, 1864.Dear Madam,
I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle.
I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming.
But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.
I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.
Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,
A. Lincoln
IT'S A MUST READ.
I READ IT TWICE AND CRIED EACH TIME.
IF IT DOESN'T BRING TEARS TO YOUR EYES THEN YOU'RE A POSTMODERN LEFTIST.
REAGAN'S FAREWELL LETTER IS ANOTHER GREAT ONE:
My Fellow Americans,WHAT ARE THE OTHER TWO?I have recently been told that I am one of the millions of Americans who will be afflicted with Alzheimer's disease.
Upon learning this news, Nancy and I had to decide whether as private citizens we would keep this a private matter or whether we would make this news known in a public way.
In the past Nancy suffered from breast cancer and I had my cancer surgeries. We found through our open disclosures we were able to raise public awareness. We are happy that as a result many more people underwent testing.
They were treated in early stages and able to return to normal, healthy lives.
So now, we feel it is important to share it with you. In opening our hearts, we hope this might promote greater awareness of this condition. Perhaps it will encourage a clearer understanding of the individuals and families who are affected by it.
At the moment I feel just fine. I intend to live the remainder of the years God gives me on this earth doing the things I have always done. I will continue to share life's journey with my beloved Nancy and my family. I plan to enjoy the great outdoors and stay in touch with my friends and supporters.
Unfortunately, as Alzheimer's disease progresses, the family often bears a heavy burden. I only wish there was some way I could spare Nancy from this painful experience. When the time comes I am confident that with your help she will face it with faith and courage.
In closing let me thank you, the American people, for giving me the great honor of allowing me to serve as your President. When the Lord calls me home, whenever that may be, I will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and eternal optimism for its future.
I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life. I know that for America there will always be a bright new dawn ahead.
Thank you, my friends. May God always bless you.
Sincerely,
Ronald Reagan
My mother-in-law has Alzheimer's and is now in Stage 7, the final stage.
ReplyDeleteReagan's letter is a piece of writing that I frequently read, poignant on a personal level for me:
My mother-in-law worked tirelessly to get Reagan elected as governor of California. In fact, she used to have him over to dinner at her house, thus affording my husband, a teenager at the time, the opportunity to meet Ron and Nancy. Mr. AOW has nothing but good things to say about the Reagans.
my pop had an ard, too.
ReplyDeletereagan was a great man.