Melania Trump, our current First Lady, stepped into the halls of Children’s National Hospital in Washington, carrying on a tradition as old as the oaks in my hometown. It was a day when the air was thick with anticipation for the Fourth of July, and the children were knee-deep in red, white, and blue crafts.
Mrs. Trump didn’t just shake hands and smile for the cameras. No, sir, she rolled up her sleeves and got down to the business of being there for these young Americans. She decorated rocks for the hospital’s “healing” garden, a place she dedicated to all First Ladies, past and present. It’s a gesture as enduring as the Constitution and as comforting as a warm blanket on a cold night.
What does it mean for these children to have such a high-profile visitor? Well, I’ll tell you. It’s like a shot of hope, stronger than coffee and twice as warming.
Remember, it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog. And these kids, bless their hearts, are fighting battles bigger than most adults ever face. Melania Trump’s visit, with her “Be Best” gift bags and her genuine interest in their lives, is like a rallying cry for their spirits.
This tradition of First Ladies visiting this hospital is as American as the stars and stripes, dating back to Bess Truman. It’s a reminder that in this great nation of ours, we take care of our own, especially the little ones who need it most.
From decorating rocks to planting flags in the garden, from asking about favorite sports to sharing a love for ice cream, the First Lady connected with these young patriots on a human level. And isn’t that what America is all about? People helping people, regardless of status or station?
These small acts of kindness ripple out across our nation. They remind us that in times of division, there are still things that unite us. The care for our children, the hope for their futures, and the belief that even in their hospital beds, they are as much a part of this American story as any of us.