Desperate mother-of-three sells handwritten letter from Obama to avoid being evicted

By Rachel Quigley

Last updated at 8:09 AM on 15th June 2011

Opening the handwritten letter from President Obama brought a glimmer of hope to her life as he promised her that things would get better for her and her family.

And despite the fact Destiny Mathis, from Hobart, Indiana, treasured the letter, more than two years later she has no choice but to sell it as she and her three children face eviction from their home.

The 26-year-old was an avid campaigner for Mr Obama in 2008, getting T-shirts made and encouraging people in her neighbourhood to vote.

Back then her life was tough but she had hope for her own future and the future of America.

She graduated top of her class in 2005 and was working as a surgical technician while also helping her mother, who was battling cancer at the time.
WHAT THE PRESIDENT SAID

Destiny,

Thanks for the moving letter, and the support. You have such a positive spirit - please know that things will get better for you and your family. You inspire me and I'm rooting for you!

God Bless,

Barack Obama

She said: 'I campaigned for him hard. I got the shirts made, the Barack the Vote shirts made. We've done a lot.'

It was about half way into the President's term that things took a downward spiral for her.

Her third baby was born prematurely with health problems and with limited daycare options she could no longer work.

Her partner also left around this time.

With nowhere else to turn, she decided to write the President a letter.

She told the Huffington Post: 'I wrote him just expressing my concern about what's going to happen in the next two years. I know he's under a lot of stress, but I need to see more results.'

She told him she was optimistic for change when she campaigned for him and that now she feels her future is bleak and unpromising. Despite this she also praised the President and his efforts.

he wrote: 'I do think people are coming down too hard on you and your administration. An eight-year mess cannot be fixed in only two years’ time.

'I am still behind you 100 per cent and so is my family. My dad is a disabled Vietnam Veteran and he tells my seven-year-old son, Silas, that he should strive to be just like you.

'I tell my two-year-old daughter Milan that she will be as strong as Mrs Obama and to not be like me.'

She finishes by saying: 'May God Bless you Mister President and your beautiful family. I also ask that GOD continues to bless your presidency and administration.'

To Ms Mathis' surprise, she received a handwritten response from the President shortly after.

He told her that she had a 'positive spirit', that she inspired him and promised her that things would get better for her and her family.

But now, eight months later, things have not improved and she is being forced to sell the letter in the hope that she can avoid eviction.

She said: 'We need to move as soon as possible. We need a three bedroom. I'm not working, so no-one is giving me a chance.'

Out of desperation, the 26-year-old contacted Gary Zimet, president of Moments in Time, who has sold eight handwritten letters from President Obama, along with the actual Schindler's List and other pieces of American history.

He said that the hand written letters on headed White House stationary are 'extremely rare' and he hopes to sell the letter for $11,000.

Right now, Ms Mathis is hoping the letter sale will lead to a better future for her and her children Silas, Milan and Londyn and ultimately wants to go back to school to become a nurse.

She said: 'I am just a little bit weary of the promises that (Obama) has made. I really haven't been seeing any kind of changes that affect me directly.

'We need the money so we can move into something that's compatible with the kids and to help us out. We are really, really struggling. It's hard for us right now.

'I really do trust that I'm making the right decision.'

I think you're overlooking the real message of this story. Obama's generating wealth with a stroke of his pen! Economic recovery's on the way, he's churning out handwritten letters on White House stationery as we speak to ensure our children's economic prosperity.

2. Like him or no, a handwritten (especially in the tech age) signed letter on white house stationary is an important piece of American History. Such an item will only increase in value. Even (especially) if he goes down as one of the worst Presidents.

This assumes that it could be verified as a legitimate letter somehow and not done by an aid.

More a historical document than on par with a ballplayer, Lex. Always buyers for that kind of thing for a person with the right connections.

More a historical document than on par with a ballplayer, Lex. Always buyers for that kind of thing for a person with the right connections.

Despite what comrade Coro thinks, it's not our place to decide how people spend their money.

It's valuable because it's part of our history in the making.