Happy Birthday, Michelle Obama

Happy Birthday to Michelle Obama.

Happy Birthday, Michelle Obama

The First Lady of the United States is someone I've come to respect and admire. She is a shining example for my daughter. Intelligent, articulate and educated, she displays a beautiful balance between her professional life and family.

Every First Lady takes on causes and responsibilities while she serves in the White House. I do believe that there have been some extraordinary women that were far more than simply the spouse of the President. I believe that each of them has played an important role in our nation's history.

Mrs. Obama, however, has gone above and beyond the traditional First Lady.

She's become a true model to young people, girls in particular. She demonstrates that you don't have to choose between career and family. She shows young girls that they can be dedicated, focused, professionals, or they can choose to be mothers and the CEO of their families. She also demonstrates that anything in between is okay too.

My daughter has many career aspirations. Some of them require much education, and others do not. Some of them are highly paid, and others are not. Some of them are family oriented and others, not so much.

Michelle Obama demonstrates that, whenever my daughter decides her passion, it is perfectly acceptable for a woman today.

Ainsley won't have the pressure to be a housewife and mother like the women of the 50s. She won't have to shun family life to gain respect like the women of the 70s. She won't have to pick one or the other like women of the 90s. Ainsley will be a woman of the 21st century, where her choices are unlimited. She can do anything she wants. She can be a veterinarian, movie star, day care worker, mother or soldier, (all careers on her short list) or any combination she chooses.

Thank you, Mrs. Obama, for being an example of a renaissance woman, and a shining example to my daughter and her brother.

 Photo credit: whitehouse.gov