Michelle Obama and her spouse, Barack Obama, share a relationship that has become the epitome of admiration and aspiration for many. Their journey together, however, was not without its challenges, especially when it came to expanding their family. At the age of 35, Michelle faced difficulties in conceiving, a struggle that led her to feel a deep sense of failure, isolation, and loss.
Despite these early challenges, the Obamas are now proud parents of two daughters, who are the center of their world. Michelle’s upbringing played a significant role in shaping her values and aspirations. Raised in a family that her brother likened to the Cleavers from the classic TV show “Leave It to Beaver,” she learned the importance of high standards, a strong work ethic, and self-respect, even though they were not financially affluent.
When Harry and Meghan Markle had their baby, Michelle told them it was “magical” to have a baby in the house, and she advised them to savor each moment with kids as she does.
Michelle loved being a new mum and could lose hours just watching her children sleep. The resiliency of her daughters humbled and heartened her.
Michelle’s academic journey took her to Harvard, where she pursued law, graduating at 25. Fresh out of Harvard Law School, she joined a corporate law firm. It was here that she first encountered Barack Obama, then a 28-year-old summer associate finishing law school. Assigned as his adviser, Michelle initially harbored doubts about Barack, who had already caught the attention of other female colleagues for his good looks.
Barack’s first attempt to ask Michelle out was met with rejection, as she found the idea inappropriate given their professional relationship. She also turned him down a second time. However, his persistence eventually won her over, and she agreed to a date that would start a lifelong partnership. Their first date was anything but ordinary; it included lunch outside an art museum, a tour of the Art Institute, a stroll down Michigan Avenue, and a stop at a Baskin-Robbins ice cream shop where they shared their first kiss, a moment Barack fondly remembers as tasting like chocolate. The day concluded with a Spike Lee movie, “Do The Right Thing.”
Their relationship progressed, and two years later, on July 31, 1991, while celebrating Barack’s completion of the bar exam at a favorite Chicago restaurant, the couple engaged in a heated debate about marriage. Despite Barack’s love for Michelle, he expressed skepticism about the institution of marriage. This led to a lively exchange, with Michelle defending the merits of marriage.
The evening took an unexpected turn when dessert arrived. Instead of the anticipated chocolate cake, a ring box with a diamond ring was presented to Michelle, marking Barack’s playful yet heartfelt marriage proposal. Amidst the applause of other diners, she accepted. Barack had thoughtfully sought the permission of her mother and brother before proposing.
The couple wed on October 3, 1992, at the South Shore Cultural Center, with Barack promising an interesting life together. However, their marital bliss was soon tested by challenges in starting a family. Michelle experienced a miscarriage and struggled with infertility. This led her to undergo a series of fertility treatments, eventually resulting in the birth of their daughters through in-vitro fertilization. On July 4, 1998, they welcomed their first daughter, Malia Ann Obama, followed by the birth of Natasha “Sasha” Obama on June 10, 2001.
Through the journey of motherhood, Michelle learned valuable lessons about the unpredictability of life and the importance of embracing the things one cannot control.
