Grandmother’s message to world’s grandchildren

Bertha Toussaint of Lawrenceville
To the editor:
   My name is Bertha Toussaint. I am the grandmother of 17 grandchildren. I live in Lawrenceville, where most of my grandchildren live and go to school. First, let me thank you all for making me proud and happy, and I also want to let you know that I appreciate all your efforts in academics and your courage to stay focused even when times are hard.
    My desire to write to you today is to share with you my recent adventure. On Jan. 20, I was fortunate and blessed to be able to travel to Washington, D.C. for the inauguration of the very first African-American President of the United States, and the world. You probably want to know why I say the world. The answer to that is very easy and simple. Our new president is appreciated by the world. What a feeling!
    If I had to explain to you my feelings of that day, this letter would be too long. When Barack Obama raised his right hand to solemnly swear upon the Bible, I couldn’t help but let my emotions take over. Loudly, I praised God and the many heroes who died for that day to come. Three specific words came from my mouth loudly, “Education, discipline and perseverance.”
    Every person present at that mall had a personal story to tell, no matter what their race, nationalist, color or gender; all had a special reason in their hearts and minds.
    My special reason is the topic of this letter, “My grandchildren of this world.” As both mother and grandmother, I was deeply moved seeing Mrs. Marion Robinson, the grandmother of Malia and Sasha, the “first children” of the world, walking behind them for the inauguration. Ever present, since the day they were born, she continues her duty; leaving her own life to follow her grandchildren. Vowing to nurture them, protect them, and educate them with her knowledge, from Chicago to the White House.
    This letter is to remind you, grandchildren, that you have the responsibility to make things better. President Obama for much of his life was raised, nurtured and educated by his grandmother. From her, he learned to take his responsibilities very seriously, and by doing that all his dreams were made possible.
    All of you grandchildren, black or white, boy or girl, rich or poor, can do the same. Yes you can!
    Barack Obama was not Superman. He was a very intelligent young man but nothing was easy for him, and nothing was given to him. He did not take the shortcut, but the long, difficult path. Now with his example, nothing should stop you from achieving your dreams.
    I have to congratulate all the grandmothers of this world who are helping their own grandchildren raise their children, no matter how difficult. I congratulate you and ask you to continue your important task. You never know where your grandchildrens’ lives are going to lead or what they will achieve. I remember one of the network interviews with then-President Elect Obama. He stated, “I respected my mother-in-law, I don’t tell my mother-in-law what to do. Michelle and I were only able to accomplish what we did because my mother-in-law was there in the girls’ lives.” What a meaningful and invaluable reward to hear the president speak about his mother-in-law.
    Therefore I would encourage all of us grandmothers to take our courage in our hands and to continue what we do best. The world will be better because of our contribution.
    To my grandchildren of the world, I say, “Education,” I say, “Discipline,” I say, “Perseverance,” I say, “Yes you can!”