The First Family – family first
November 5, 2008 by Marguerite Orane
Filed under Love
When the new “first family” came onstage at Grant Park in Chicago on Tuesday November 4, it hit me that not only are we having the first African-American man as President, we are having a whole black family in the White House! For the first time, the residents of the White House will be:
A black man, raised by a single mother, who met his father only twice – so typical of many black families in the United States of America (and in Jamaica). However, Barack Obama has clearly made a choice to not repeat the mistakes his father made. He has chosen to be a very present, involved and loving father. And it shows. Just look at the adoration of Sasha for her dad, the open, uninhibited “I love you Daddy” on the stage of the Democratic National Convention, the hugs and kisses between them. It is beautiful to watch and an inspiration!
A black woman, highly educated, competent and professional, who is leading her family, supporting her husband and showing the world the elegance, beauty and dignity of the true queens of our race! She is an example to us of “having it all”!
A marital relationship in which husband and wife delight in each other, even after 16 years. The smiles, the fist thumps, the foreheads gently knocked together, the long tight hugs, the bodies leaning into each other as they dance, tell a story of a real marriage, a true partnership built on a solid foundation of respect and love. “My best friend, the rock of our family, the love of my life” is how the President-elect described his First Lady on Tuesday night. To see how he looks as her – he means it. And her reciprocating gaze, eyes half-closed and twinkling, say the same.
Two children who are as yet unspoiled by the trappings of society, despite spending so much of their lives in the public spotlight. They skip, they run, they smile, they laugh, they wave shyly, they bubble over with joy! Despite everything, they are children enjoying their childhood
A new puppy – the reward to Malia and Sasha for enduring their father’s journey! I hope it’s a puppy from a shelter – to send a powerful message of support for “unwanted” animals, of which there are millions! Whatever they choose, and they deserve whichever puppy they desire, I know from my own experience that it will be loved, doted on and spoiled – and will give countless moments of unconditional, joyful love!
Take out the adjectives “black” and “African-American” and what we have is simply a delightful, functional “first family” that obviously puts family first – a joy to behold!
