Secretary Clinton,

I can’t imagine what you must be feeling right now. Shock. Confusion. Sadness. The country that you’ve fought your entire life to serve. The campaign that you gave your all to, in hopes of uniting America. America abandoned you. America chose hate rhetoric and antagonistic messaging because it was so desperate for change.

As expected, you graciously resigned and wished the best for Mr. Trump. We all do. Because we all love America, at the end of the day. And we all hope for a better America, each and every day.

I was personally excited to see the example you set throughout the race, by being one of the most qualified and knowledgeable politicians our country has ever seen. Your resume is impressive and your experience with the issues is impeccable. You showed up to the debates well-versed on your policies, while also expressing the concerns of individual citizens.

But, it wasn’t enough. In fact, these are the very things that many people were turned off by. I woke up this morning, frustrated. I felt that the glass ceiling we had talked about had turned into a huge, concrete block, weighing on my chest. I was frustrated that you put in the work and didn’t get the reward. I was frustrated that there was a double-standard. I was frustrated that people held you to a different standard for who knows why. I hope that it isn’t for your gender.

But, you’ve never blamed your gender on your ability to accomplish anything. You led by example and refused to play the blame game. In my opinion, you’ve spread messages of love and unity—because you love this country and you truly want to see a United States of America.

While I grieve that your life isn’t fair, I also know that that is life. I grieve that you didn’t crash the glass ceiling, though you deserved to. But, I praise and thank you for the work you put in. I know that one day, a woman will be president of our great land. I know that we will break through hate and division.

And, it will be because of you. You deserve a tribute. You are a legacy, Ms. Clinton. You were the first female nominee to a major party. You showed women that they can stand up and defend the issues just as well, if not better than their male opponent. And, most importantly, you’ve shown grace and elegance in your loss.

Your name will go down in history and when a woman does become president, she will owe her success to you for helping crack the thickest glass in the world.

Sincerely,

Me