We can be so Proud that Michelle Obama is Our First Lady....

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Michelle is such an amazing role model for our young women across the country, and now around the world and across Oceans.She has styly and grace, but also warmth and humanity that has not been seen in years in a First Lady. Much was made about the Video of her hugging The Queen, but the Truth is that it was not that surprising, anyone that had seen her on the Campaign Trail or at Events these past two years would realize that this is a woman that hugs and truly touches people. (In this photo we see her hugging a young girl at the Garrett School for young women.)

The US First Lady choked up as she took to the stage to speak at the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School in Islington, north London.She told her audience they had "very much" in common with her as she talked about her background."I am an example of what is possible when girls from the very beginning of their lives are loved and nurtured by people around them," she said.
"I was surrounded by extraordinary women in my life who taught me about quiet strength and dignity.
"Whether you come from a council estate or a country estate, your success will be determined by your own confidence and fortitude."We are counting on you, we are counting on every single one of you to be the best that you can be." ( from SkyNews)

I watched her speak to those young girls in London last night and watched how she gave them hope, and inspired them. For them they look at her and know she started like them, living urban and working hard. For them she is Real, She is the Possibility Of Anything and Everything.

I am fortunate as I saw her in person in downtown Cleveland in February 2008, I waited in line with College Students and many women from Downtown Cleveland when she came to Cleveland State University. It was cold and snowy and when they let us in there was standing room only in the Student Union. The Event Organizer stood next to me , she explained that it was always a packed house for Michelle, but that she was almost always on time and did not like to have people wait for her. She also explained that Michelle also always made sure of smaller details, that there were not extra lights that made folks too warm, and that there were to be no press or Lights too close to the stage or obstructing view and that there be plenty of seating for handicapped, and the elderly.An Obama photographer came and stood with us and nodded that all that was indeed true.

Michelle arrived, dressed in a beautiful suit.Elegant, yet simple and with grace took the podium and begain talking. She reached out to college students and encouraged and spoke to them. There were no notes, just her talking to the college students. Then she reached out to the Parents and moms standing in the crowd. And she told her story about growing up in a 2 bedroom apartment in the South Side of Chicago and how her parents worked so hard to put her and her brother through school. She also told about her dad's battle with MS and how she watched him work in spite of it and watched him get sicker and how it inspired her.She spoke of how Education was the key for so many to reach their future, including her own. And she spoke for over 45 minutes. I watched the effect she had on the moms next to me, as we all shared kleenex and the young girls stayed and waited to give her a hug or shake her hand. Their eyes too gleamed with Inspiration.


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And a gentle hug even for The Queen.....