I'm sure when The Obamas were first discussing his running for office that the enormity of it seemed very far off. In talking to your spouse in the privacy of your own home you can expect that the things you say will stay private. I can only imagine the banter that went on between them. You don't just get up one day and say "Hey, I think I'd be a good President" and not have some intense discussions with the person who knows all your faults and foibles. She is very good at keeping him grounded and he's going to need that. The privacy that they once shared has been narrowed to a sliver and I hope she fights hard for that. She deserves it.
The freedom that she had two years ago has been put on the shelf. She is now shadowed by Secret Service and an adoring public. I wonder if it is worth it to her to loose so much of her personal space. I hope she knows how much we appreciate her supporting her husband in his bid to help all of us. She loses freedom, we gain some.
What a pair her daughters are. From all visible accounts they have a lot of their mother's poise and grace. I'm sure that when Barack's road to the White House was being discussed that Sasha and Malia were top on the list of concerns. Growing up in a goldfish bowl will be difficult for them. We can only hope that Michelle's guidance and love will help them through the mine field of teen years. Such intense scrutiny is not something most adults can take let alone two little girls.
She is a force in her own right. A very accomplished attorney with a very impressive future, now on hold so she can focus on keeping her family stable. Giving up your job and sometimes some of your identity that is attached to it is not easy for anyone but especially for an African American woman. I don't mean to say that she is prideful, but the personal fulfillment that you get from a job that you care about and that you excel at can be part of the pride and respect you have for yourself. She had every reason to be proud of the woman she is. She has set aside her chosen path and taken on a new one for the good of this country.
While I was watching the inaugural balls, the pure unadulterated love and respect that Michelle and Barack show for each other was inspiring. Married and in love is the new SEXXXXYY!!!! Modeling that for our younger generation and maybe a few of us older geezers can only strengthen this country. You were marvelous!!!! Old School Rocks.
I'm sure this sounds like a love fest but really, how many of us would be willing to give up a pretty good life, our job, our freedom, our family life, our privacy, going out to dinner with our spouse, shopping at Nordstrom's or the GAP without an entourage. And all the while on a daily basis being attacked in the media by screwballs and people who want nothing more than to bring you down. There are serious people out there that would do harm to those she loves the most. I'm sure I would not have the guts to do it.
So, thank you Michelle Obama for your generosity and your courage. You married a great guy but right now we need him. You an expect things to go back to normal in about 8 years.
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