1600 Pennsylvania Avenue: No Longer the Land of Make Believe

I am envious, reading this Washington Post article From the Second City, An Extended First Family.

See multiple photo at WP articleSo much has been written about the fragmentation of African American families . . . and it is true, of course. The challenges of history, coupled with past and current economic realities, stand formidably real, in spite of a celebration that matters to many people, of every skin color.

But the Obama family history is the opposite. The news is filled with stories of long-time relationships, extending back to college and America's famous African American family names. Everywhere one looks in the Obama history, we find a firm embrace, support and encouragement for success and the desire to excel.

What an inspiring assemblage of people! Imagine having a network of friends and family that has celebrated more than a dozen moves together, over the years.

And now . . . in an incredible moment in history, those casual dinners on the South Side of Chicago have moved to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue! Indeed, this IS the American dream in action.

The WP article captures a fabulous moment on Inauguration night:

About an hour into the reception, Obama returned from his whirlwind tour of 10 inaugural balls. His wife, Michelle, and their daughters, Malia and Sasha, went to bed, exhausted. But the new president called over a photographer and explained that he wanted one final memento from the historic day. He gathered his in-laws -- teachers, secretaries and retirees from a self-described middle-class black family in Chicago -- and posed with them beneath a 1797 portrait of George Washington in his velvet suit.

"I was just trying to soak it all in, and then this realization hit me," said Steve Shields, 57, Michelle Obama's uncle. "It was like, 'Okay. This is different. All of the sudden, we are the family that's, like, at the center of the universe.' "

I only hope to find this photograph, because it's worth 500 photos of Michelle Obama in her favorite suits and bangle bracelets . . . and I LOVE fashion and style. I mean no disrespect to the fashionistas.

It's this photo, though, that will leave me breathless and jumping for joy!

OK, Mister President! Give it up . . . no fair telling us that such a monumental photograph exists. Put it on the cover of TIME magazine, where it belongs. On that subject, I'd better to look at those fabulous TIME photos, just to be sure it's not already posted.

I hate making an idiot of myself, but have no reservations over saying that the above story brings tears to my eyes. Yes; yes; yes!

Anne