Leukemia-stricken Jasmina Anema spends 10 magical minutes with President ObamaBY Rich Schapiro
It came a week later than planned, but little Jasmina Anema's wish was finally granted Wednesday.
The leukemia-stricken Manhattan girl met President Obama in the White House - and spent 10 magical minutes with him.
"It was like they were really best buddies," said Jasmina's mom, Thea Anema. "It was just how he spoke to her, like a daddy. It was so sweet. He was really relating to her."
Obama also delighted his little visitor with a couple of gifts - a box of M&Ms emblazoned with his name and the presidential seal and a matching presidential yo-yo.
A still-glowing Jasmina wasn't in the mood to discuss her surreal encounter last night. But she let her smile do the talking.
"She's sitting here still beaming," Anema said. "She feels very special."
Jasmina was treated like a VIP as soon as she arrived at the White House about 2:30 p.m. A group of staffers met her at a rear entrance and called her by name.
"Hi, Jasmina," one aide said, according to Anema. "Someone's waiting for you."
Jasmina, wearing her special pink sweater dress, could hardly contain her excitement as she waited to be led the Oval Office. The White House took photos of the visit but did not make them available.
It was a trip - sponsored by the Make-A-Wish foundation - that almost never happened. Jasmina fell ill Nov. 25 and remained in a hospital until yesterday.
But once she caught a glimpse of the President alone in his office, Jasmina's eyes lit up, her mother said.
Jasmina informed the President about her love of reading and told him Judy Moody books were her favorite. "He said Malia and Sasha liked those, too," Anema said.
When Obama asked Jasmina what she wanted for Christmas, she answered immediately. A violin, she told him.
Obama noted that though his daughters both play the piano, he didn't have the discipline to learn an instrument as a young boy, Jasmina's mother said.
Obama complimented Jasmina for how articulate she is, drawing a wide smile from her. It grew even wider when the President told Jasmina, "You can write me anytime. I'll get it."
Later, Jasmina was given a tour of the East Wing, where her eyes lit up at the Christmas decorations. At the holiday wish tree, she stood quietly for a moment and made a secret wish.
When it was finally time to say goodbye after their 10 minutes together, Obama beckoned Jasmina closer and said, "Come here. Give me a hug." It was, the mom said, a perfect ending for the visit.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2009/12/03/2009-12-03_leukemiastricken_jasmina_anema_spends_10_magical_minutes_with_president_obama.html#ixzz0YegyXSNY
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