Michelle Obama is first lady. What did she give up to have this honor? Ms. Obama seems to have a great life. She has beautiful daughters, a powerful husband and even her mother at her side. She's young, attractive and intelligent. She can have a career after her four to eight years in the White House. Being first lady is a job, if approached properly. It will certainly look good on her resume. I don't think we have to cry for Ms. Obama. She'll have plenty to do and opportunities will come to her post-White House.

This is a time for her to focus on her children and help them stay grounded while in the public eye. All kids would prefer to have their mothers close. Ms. Obama's mother was a stay-at-home mom (rare in the black community) who went to work outside the home after her children were adults. Ms. Obama now has an opportunity to do the same for her daughters. I wish I could have had that luxury as a child and a parent. My mother, grands and greats had to work while raising their families to supplement what their husbands brought to the table. There was no choice. When you have an opportunity for choice, each individual should have the freedom to make it without judgment from others. I wish her well.

Great cover illustration.

Linda Sims

Sonoma County