The Time Capsule - Visitor's Letter to Grandchild

by Stephen D. Edwards
(Olympia, WA, USA)

Hello Keegan,

The date today is January 21, 2009. It is 2:15 AM the day after the inauguration of our 44th President of the United States of America, Barack Hussein Obama. What a very special day this is for all Americans, Kenyans and all people of the world. When you are able to read this someday and understand the full meaning of all that is being written, I hope you will feel an uncontrollable pride for not only being an American, but also for your same roots as our president, Mr Obama. You will come to understand that this man at this important and critical time in our history leads the richest, most influential and most powerful nation in the world. With this position of great power and abundance of resources comes an even greater responsibility toward all mankind. There is a mandate for us to not only set a positive example in world leadership for governments and men/women everywhere, but for leadership in world affairs that is firm but tolerant, courageous but with restraint, decisive but compassionate and committed to the freedom and advancement of all which is righteous and good. We are a nation founded of the people, by the people and for the people living under the rules set by God our creator which was so eloquently stated by Abraham Lincoln in 1863. It is important that you know and understand the responsibility you will have as a citizen of this elite nation of people who are so widely diverse racially, ethnically and with nationalities and religious preferences from every corner of this earth.

You are a unique individual much like our new president who has now become the most powerful and influential leader of our present time. Being born both white American and black Kenyon you will be considered an African American. Keegan... Please remember that the color of your skin does not make who you are now or who you are to become. Above and foremost you are an American! You have a very special American heritage that few can match which is directly traced back to the Mayflower and the founding fathers of this great country. You will have vast opportunities unlike any before you. In order for you to be able to take full advantage of these opportunities you will have to dedicate yourself to the same principles as that of our great nation. Combining these uncompromising principals and way of life with hard work, steadfast goals and daily prayer giving God thanks for the abundances you have been given as an American, your opportunities will be vast and many. The real successes of a man are not determined by what he says, but rather by what he does! As your Grandfather I am excited about your future and confident that you will grow strong, confident and assertive in the principals and practices of these things that have been set before you.

On a personal note, I pray that you will always treat others as you wish to be treated and give your loved ones a respect and consideration that goes far beyond any that you might give a stranger upon meeting them for the first time. God has a purpose for you Keegan and with devotion and praise to him you will soon realize what that purpose will be in this changing world. Your opportunities are as vast as your rich heritage and bloodline. Whatever it is you wish to be is possible because of sacrifice of men and woman who have proceeded you on this earth. It now is approximately 3 1/2 months before your birth is expected in May. You will forever celebrate this year as the year of your birth and the same year that a man with of your same national heritage became America's 44th President. God willing I will live long enough to watch you grow strong and successful with uncompromising devotion for those values that have been set here before you.

Even now as your small body grows within your Kenyan mother's womb, I love you Keegan! I want you always to remember that being white does not always mean doing what is right or being in the back does not mean you should be black! Only individuals with racial and human indifference will try to convince you that all people of certain nationality, creed, ethnical or religious backgrounds are the same in their attitude or behavior toward others. There are cruelties and injustices in this world that go far beyond a person's background or color of skin. There will always be bigots who will point their finger in your direction purely because of their own insecurities and your differences from them and for no other reason but to make themselves feel like they are better or smarter or more important then you. Have patience, tolerance and forgiveness in your heart for these poor fools. You will always remember what I have told you here Keegan because you are to become the new American generation that has lived in a time where the majority has purposely and decisively made way for a minority to lead this nation of ours. Differences have been set aside and racism (even though not conquered) held at bay. I believe this is something that could have only happened in America! It has been no small task that this has taken place here and it should never be forgotten! I am very proud to be an American today and hearing these famous words below now solicits more pride with more truth and meaning then ever...

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."