I am no politician, nor am I an expert on politics, but I do know a little about recognizing love when I see and hear it. The Obamas seem to have the kind of love that each of them needed, a love built on friendship, admiration, respect, and genuine affection.
They are truly a sight for sore eyes. My goodness, the way Barack looks at Michelle awakens something in me that feels so pure, so warm, and so deeply moving. There is a tenderness there that is hard to miss.
The few times I have listened to them speak to or about each other have been just as remarkable. It is not only in their words, but in the gestures, the mannerisms, the glances, the posture, and the embraces. There seems to be a quiet ease between them, the kind that comes from years of choosing each other and delighting in one another. It is a beautiful thing to witness.
I think a man has won in life when his wife says, “I know it hasn’t always been easy, but there hasn’t been a single second through this experience that standing by your side hasn’t left me in awe”.
For one, Barack seems to be the kind of family leader a woman would take pleasure in trusting, standing beside, and following and it is not out of obligation, but out of confidence in his character and judgment. He comes across as a steady, quiet, yet deeply firm presence: a source of strength without the need for dominance. Michelle’s love and respect for him are evident, and what makes their relationship so compelling is that she appears to receive that same love, respect, and admiration in return.
Credit to him, too, for recognizing the extraordinary woman he married and never feeling threatened by her brilliance. He didn’t try to put a muzzle on her voice or shrink her presence. Instead, he has encouraged her to shine in all her fullness. Michelle stands before the world in her intelligence, beauty, grace, strength, and purpose, and he appears to take great joy in watching her flourish in the full view of an admiring world.
If my future husband looks at me the way Michelle is looked at by her husband, if I find a partner with whom I can walk in sync, laugh freely, dance joyfully, and celebrate each other’s talents without reservation, I’ll consider myself truly blessed. That kind of love and companionship would make my heart feel complete.
It’s no surprise they both continue to shine with such warmth, health, and vitality. The friendship, companionship, love, and peace they share seem to nourish them from the inside out.
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