When Barack Obama got elected in 2008, the world saw an era of a super-cool President of the nuclear superpower managing crisis after crisis with an elan and restraint befitting a President. During his two terms, he made the healthcare affordable for the common man, successfully restrained unstable nuclear nations, and created many jobs.
He is the first Black President in the history of USA. The nation lost a chance to see it’s first woman president, but that is a futile discussion now. As he stepped down, Obama gave his farewell speech at Chicago recently. Among other things, he did not fail to talk about his wife, Michelle LaVaughn Robinson, a lawyer, writer, the First black First lady of the USA and the mother to his two daughters.
Michelle has been a part of Barack Obama’s political journey right from the start. I seldom talk about relationship goals, but when I do, I talk about this couple. Not only are they look committed even after 25 years of being together, you can tell from their body language that they are one soul!
So it is not surprise that President Barack Obama welled up as he started talking about Michelle. And as he uttered her name, the crowd gave her a standing ovation that lasted well over a minute. In his own words,
“Michelle – for the past 25 years, you’ve been not only my wife and mother of my children, but my best friend. You took on a role you didn’t ask for and made it your own with grace and grit and style and good humor. You made the White House a place that belongs to everybody. And a new generation sets its sights higher because it has you as a role model. You’ve made me proud. You’ve made the country proud.”
Talking about his children, he continued,
“Malia and Sasha, under the strangest of circumstances, you have become two amazing young women, smart and beautiful, but more importantly, kind and thoughtful and full of passion. You wore the burden of years in the spotlight so easily. Of all that I’ve done in my life, I’m most proud to be your dad. “
Watch the speech here:
https://youtu.be/aB5X8rxAqsw?t=965
Read on to know more..
How they changed the paradigm
Till now, most of the Presidents made only official public appearances. However, this family made us realise that the President is after all, just a man. Both of them have a great sense of humour, love playing with kids, have no issues in appearing on TV shows, and most importantly, they are great together. Michelle is not just a supporting character fading in the background. She takes the role of the First Lady to new heights, something that might be difficult for the new First Lady to reach.
Barack Obama with the family pet Bo (Image: Picmonkey)
Watching this would make you realise how different this couple is from their earlier counterparts and how real it actually is!
While promoting education for young women across the globe, Michelle Obama made an appearance on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
And when President Barack Obama appeared on Ellen’s show, it was equally impressive!
I wish we had more couples in power like the Obamas.
If I were to sum up three things everyone of us can learn from this couple, they would be
- Never lose your sense of humour. If they can, with all the pressures of running the country, we can do that too! Sex, lust and attraction may keep the marriage interesting for a while, but admiration for each other and a good sense of humour would take the marriage a long way!
- Make time for the family. Job is important, so is the career. However, at the end of the day, life is not counted in number of days you have lived, but the number of moments you have cherished. Make every moment a memorable one!
- Stay grounded. This is, by far, the most important lesson I have learnt from them. Power and money is ephemeral. What stays is your character. Do not forget where you come from and you will enjoy a fuller life.
Mums and dads, do let us know what you think about this article in the comments below.
Image sources: Picmonkey
Also read: Barack Obama’s hands-on parenting style is one of his most admirable achievements
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