As Sasha and Malia Obama contemplate life beyond the White House, the children of former President George Bush made the decision to reach out to Barack Obama's daughters in an effort to instil excitement about the years to come.
Jenna and Barbara Bush, who also spent eight years in the White House while their father held office, recalled their first meeting with Sasha and Malia in an open letter which was published in Time magazine.
"Malia and Sasha, eight years ago on a cold November day, we greeted you on the steps of the White House. We saw both the light and wariness in your eyes as you gazed at your new home."
"The four of us wandered the majestic halls of the house you had no choice but to move in to. When you slid down the banister of the solarium, just as we had done as 8-year-olds and again as 20-year-olds chasing our youth, your joy and laughter were contagious."
Acknowledging the opportunities extended to the girls during their time in the White Office, Jenna and Barbara continued: "In eight years, you have done so much. Seen so much. You stood at the gates of the Robben Island cell where South Africa’s Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for decades, your arms around your father."
"You traveled to Liberia and Morocco with your mom to talk with girls about the importance of education—girls who saw themselves in you, saw themselves in your parents, saw who they could become if they continued to study and learn."
"You attended state dinners, hiked in national parks, met international leaders and managed to laugh at your dad’s jokes during the annual Thanksgiving turkey pardon, all while being kids, attending school and making friends. We have watched you grow from girls to impressive young women with grace and ease."
And while remembering these incredible moments, the Bush sisters made sure to acknowledge the practicalities of such a high-profile life.
"We know it wasn’t always easy – the two of you and the two of us were teenagers trailed by men in backpacks – but they put their lives on hold for us."
"Now you are about to join another rarified club, one of former First Children—a position you didn’t seek and one with no guidelines."
"But you have so much to look forward to. You will be writing the story of your lives, beyond the shadow of your famous parents, yet you will always carry with you the experiences of the past eight years."
After reminding Sasha and Malia to stay in contact with the individuals who work in the White House, Jenna and Barbara praised them for their loyalty before wishing them the best of luck with their chosen paths.
"You stood by as your precious parents were reduced to headlines. Your parents, who put you first and who not only showed you but gave you the world," they wrote.
"As always, they will be rooting for you as you begin your next chapter. And so will we."
And if anyone needs us, we'll be whinging into our sleeves.
