Obama and New York/Paris

Conservative commentators, desperate to catch President Obama in something, anything, have attacked him for paying attention to his family. Not something I would expect from Republicans.

Several weeks ago, Obama took his wife on a “date” to New York for dinner and a show. It’s something he promised he would to for her when the election was over. Conservatives tried to get themselves into a tizzy over this, saying it cost too much taxpayer money and that he should be focusing on the problems of the nation. After all the crazy money the government spends on meaningless crap, we’re supposed to start worrying about a trip to New York? After the President spent time in France for D-Day, he took the entire family to Paris. Again, why is Obama sightseeing in Paris?

If this is the biggest complaint people can find about Obama, well, that’s pretty pathetic. But here is the bigger thing. These are things Obama is doing for is family. Taking his wife out to New York and letting his kids experience a bit of Paris is fantastic.  We should be lauding him for taking such good care of his family while holding down the most difficult job in the world. It’s a great example for all of us that no matter how hard you are working, no matter how busy you are, there is always time for your family, for your wife.

The Joy of Virginia

razorMy little girl is getting older. Virginia, our first child turned ten this week and her birthday was also her first day at a new school. What a day it was. Her first day at the school couldn’t have been better and it just got better from there for her. She opened her presents with absolute glee, squeeling at the iDog, the Puffle from Club Penguin. When we unveiled the motorized scooter she nearly passed out. Then it was off to Disneyland for an evening of fun.

Kids can be self-centered and under appreciative and Virginia can be as well at times. It’s a maturity thing. Comes with the parenting territory. But on this day, Virginia was so thankful and happy. She appreciated the very air she breathed. I love seeing her that happy. Pure, unadultrated joy. She said “you guys are the best parents ever”

Cynics are saying oh that’s terrible, you’re just talking about her getting material things. Material things don’t bring real happiness. Well, actually they can but not by themselves. I can’t describe it, but it was more than all that. To reach that level of joy it has to go beyond the stuff and maybe that’s why I was so moved by it. This was a level of joy that went well beyond anything I have ever seen at a Christmas. I think it was the culmination of everything that was great in her life comming together for one magic moment. To be able to see that in your child, that’s something I wish for every parent.

Happy birthday Virginia