Fairytales Do Come True

Wedding Date: October 18, 1992

Their love story began in 1989, when they met. She worked in a downtown law firm. He was a summer associate from Harvard. She was assigned to be his advisor, and as it turned out, he didn’t have much of an interest in corporate law, but he certainly had an interest in something, or should I say someone…and her name was Michelle.

I adore this couple, not just because they will be the first African American President and First Lady of the United States (that’s right, I’m claiming it), but because they are a couple with strong family values, who model what marriage is all about. They are solid in their faith, and they understand the importance of respecting, supporting, and communicating, with each other. Although they have extremely hectic schedules, they know that making time for each other is the number one priority for them and their family. I’ve collected a few quotes from the Obama’s on the subject of marriage and family to bring home this point.

Marriage Obama Style

Barack Obama speaking about time with Michelle
“What I realize as I get older is that Michelle is less concerned about me giving her flowers than she is that I’m doing things that are hard for me – carving out time. That to her is proof, evidence that I’m thinking about her. She appreciates the flowers, but her romance is that I’m actually paying attention to things that she cares about, and time is always an important factor.”
Source: Lynn Norment, Ebony, “The Hottest Couple in America”, February 2007, page 52-54

Michelle Obama speaking about Sundays as family time
“People ask how I’m handling his being away, and I say he’s home more now than when he was running [for office]. He’s breaking his neck to get home on the weekends.”
Source: Ebony, March 2006 v61 i5 p58(4)

Barack about being present with his family
“It’s important that when I’m home to make sure that I’m present, and I still forget stuff. As Michelle likes to say, ‘You are a good man, but you are still a man.’ I leave my socks around. I’ll hang my pants on the door. I leave newspapers laying around. But she lets me know when I’m not acting right. After 14 years, she’s trained me reasonably well.”
Source: Lynn Norment, Ebony, “The Hottest Couple in America”, February 2007, page 52-54

Michelle about fidelity in their marriage
“I never worry about things I can’t affect, and with fidelity…that is between Barack and me, and if somebody can come between us, we didn’t have much to begin with.”
Source: Ebony, March 2006 v61 i5 p58(4)

Barack
“If I ever thought this was ruining my family, I wouldn’t do it.”
Source: Sandra Sobieraj Westfall, “The Obamas Get Personal”, People, August 4, 2008, page 57

Michelle
“Time and love and sacrifice and struggles make you stronger.”
Source: Sandra Sobieraj Westfall, “The Obamas Get Personal”, People, August 4, 2008, page 57

So, as the story continues, after refusing for a month to go out with him, Michelle agreed to dinner and a movie. The movie they saw was “Do The Right Thing”, and you know what, Barack Obama absolutely did the right thing, by marrying a strong, beautiful, articulate, intelligent, supportive, and stylish Michelle Obama, and now just look at him. He’s about to be the next President of the United States, and you know what they say, behind every great man…you go Michelle.

Now this is love and it's a beautiful thing!