Meghan Markle's letter in which she recounts the financial troubles of her childhood
«I started working in an ice cream parlor when I was 13 years old. I served tables and looked after children to cover my expenses », says the Duchess
Meghan Markle can with everything and the actress, turned duchess, has sent an open letter to American politicians to demand legislation that protects families and grants greater paid paternity and maternity leave.
To reinforce this request, the Duchess of Sussex has recounted her experience as a child and the efforts that she and her family had to make to get ahead. Prince Harry's wife says, “I grew up with a $ 4.99 salad bar; It might have been cheaper at the time (to be honest, I don't remember), but what I do remember is the feeling: I knew how hard my parents worked to pay for this because even at five dollars, eating out was something special and I felt lucky.
The Duchess goes on to say, "As a Girl Scout, when my troop went to dinner for a big celebration, I would go back to the same salad bar or 'The Old Spaghetti Factory,' because that's what families could afford too."
Meghan Markle continues to write: “I started working in a frozen yogurt shop at 13 years old. I served tables and babysat to cover my expenses. I have worked my whole life. I saved when and where I could, but generally the goal was to make ends meet and have enough to pay the rent and be able to get gas in the car.
"Like many parents, we were overwhelmed"
The Duchess of Sussex also recounts the experience of having children and how hard it has to be for many families to face financial or childcare difficulties “In June, my husband and I welcomed our second child. Like any parent, we were very happy. Like many parents, we were overwhelmed. Like few parents, we don't face the harsh reality of spending those critical first months with our baby or going back to work. We knew that we could pass that vital (and sacred) stage, dedicate everything to our children and our family. We knew that by doing so we would not have to make the impossible decisions about childcare, work and healthcare that so many people have to make every day.
“No family should face these decisions. No family should have to choose between earning a living and having the freedom to care for their child ... By taking care of your child, you take care of your community and you take care of your country, because when paid leave is a right, we are creating a foundation it helps address mental health outcomes, health care costs and financial strength, ”he says among many other things.
The Duchess of Sussex ends this lengthy letter "On behalf of my family, Archie and Lili and Harry, I thank you for considering this letter, and on behalf of all families, I ask you to ensure that this momentous moment is not lost." .
The full 1,030-word letter has been sent, through the office of the Dukes of Sussex, to the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, and the leader of the Senate, Chuck Schumer, both Democrats, as well as the American media.
