We Owe Ann Obama Our Collective Thanks.
Ann Obama and unfettered dreams for Barack
By Emma McElvaney Talbott
If it's true that hope springs eternal, then hope is certainly found in the essence of each new child that enters the world. This may be a grandiose thought and the kind of thought that is far from the minds of most new parents who find themselves responsible for the development and well-being of their offspring.
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Our children are able to evoke a wide range of emotions, from frustration to anger to pure joy. Yet it's quite amazing how those toothless smiles, unconditional love, hugs and kisses are able to cushion the fatigue that comes with soiled diapers, middle-of-the-night feedings, unexpected fevers, temper tantrums and lost homework.
Though these little creatures can wear us down at times, they are necessary because they contain both the mystery and direction of the future, which means wise parents must take their responsibilities seriously. Parents must be willing to carry the hope for the future of their offspring until the children reach maturity and grab the baton of hope for themselves.
Fortunately, we can only speculate about the future. Will they live ordinary lives as most of us do, or will they go on to fame and fortune? Who among them will make scientific discoveries, become artists, write the love songs for their generation and become municipal, state or world-class leaders? And sadly, the dark thought that some darling babies today will fill our prisons tomorrow is unsettling. In whatever direction our children go, we have a daunting responsibility to help them move in positive directions.
One bright example of a mother's determination to lay a solid foundation for her son is found in Ann Obama. Her thoughts and emotions became actions that put her son on the right course. When she tutored her sleepy, grumbling son in the early hours of Hawaiian mornings, she did so with intent and purpose. A struggling single mother knew that the burden of directing her son rested squarely in her lap, and she did not shrink from doing what needed to be done. She began the arduous process of preparing her African-American son for whatever the future would allow, even though she did not live to see the leaps and bounds he would make.
Parents of African-American children always knew that their sons and daughters might reach some level of distinction in America, but the presidency was off limits. It was off limits when the March on Washington took place in August 1963 and Barack Obama was a mere toddler, but the passage of time became a determining factor in his ability to launch a vigorous campaign and see it through. If Ann Obama had placed limits on her son's dreams, he would have been programmed to settle for less. Instead, she began a process of meticulous preparation for whatever the future would send his way.
She and her own mother invested in the future of their son and grandson, and that investment cultivated a man of superior intellect, calm reserve, many gifts and leadership capabilities. In time, the nation came to know what this mother/grandmother duo understood years earlier. And the most telling part of this journey is that they refused to allow others to define Ann Obama's son. Instead, they imbued in him the confidence and true spirit of self-determination.
Time has brought about a change as we watched the evolution of the American mind and the willingness of people to reach deep within their souls and choose a leader with great potential. Our willingness to embrace a multicultural society enabled "we the people" to speak with a clear and resounding voice. We have chosen to place the honor and burden of the presidency on the broad shoulders of President-elect Barack Obama, and the fact that he is young, gifted and sure of his capabilities to lead a nation in distress only adds sweetness to this victory.
The hard work, determination, hope and belief of Obama's mother and grandmother eventually translated into hope for a nation. And as we move forward, let us remember that true patriotism goes beyond love of party and selfish interests to what is best for the nation. This is what will allow all reasonable people to turn away from fear, sour grapes and media rabble-rousers and join together in a spirit of unity.
To every teacher from pre-school to the university, always believe in the least of your students. And to every parent who faces the daily challenges and frustrations of raising children, take heart in the knowledge that you may be raising a child who will make wonderful contributions to the community and nation. You may even be raising the next president of the United States of America. Yes you can.
Emma McElvaney Talbott is a writer and educator who lives in Louisville. She is one of The Courier-Journal's Point Taken bloggers.
By Emma McElvaney Talbott
If it's true that hope springs eternal, then hope is certainly found in the essence of each new child that enters the world. This may be a grandiose thought and the kind of thought that is far from the minds of most new parents who find themselves responsible for the development and well-being of their offspring.
Advertisement
Our children are able to evoke a wide range of emotions, from frustration to anger to pure joy. Yet it's quite amazing how those toothless smiles, unconditional love, hugs and kisses are able to cushion the fatigue that comes with soiled diapers, middle-of-the-night feedings, unexpected fevers, temper tantrums and lost homework.
Though these little creatures can wear us down at times, they are necessary because they contain both the mystery and direction of the future, which means wise parents must take their responsibilities seriously. Parents must be willing to carry the hope for the future of their offspring until the children reach maturity and grab the baton of hope for themselves.
Fortunately, we can only speculate about the future. Will they live ordinary lives as most of us do, or will they go on to fame and fortune? Who among them will make scientific discoveries, become artists, write the love songs for their generation and become municipal, state or world-class leaders? And sadly, the dark thought that some darling babies today will fill our prisons tomorrow is unsettling. In whatever direction our children go, we have a daunting responsibility to help them move in positive directions.
One bright example of a mother's determination to lay a solid foundation for her son is found in Ann Obama. Her thoughts and emotions became actions that put her son on the right course. When she tutored her sleepy, grumbling son in the early hours of Hawaiian mornings, she did so with intent and purpose. A struggling single mother knew that the burden of directing her son rested squarely in her lap, and she did not shrink from doing what needed to be done. She began the arduous process of preparing her African-American son for whatever the future would allow, even though she did not live to see the leaps and bounds he would make.
Parents of African-American children always knew that their sons and daughters might reach some level of distinction in America, but the presidency was off limits. It was off limits when the March on Washington took place in August 1963 and Barack Obama was a mere toddler, but the passage of time became a determining factor in his ability to launch a vigorous campaign and see it through. If Ann Obama had placed limits on her son's dreams, he would have been programmed to settle for less. Instead, she began a process of meticulous preparation for whatever the future would send his way.
She and her own mother invested in the future of their son and grandson, and that investment cultivated a man of superior intellect, calm reserve, many gifts and leadership capabilities. In time, the nation came to know what this mother/grandmother duo understood years earlier. And the most telling part of this journey is that they refused to allow others to define Ann Obama's son. Instead, they imbued in him the confidence and true spirit of self-determination.
Time has brought about a change as we watched the evolution of the American mind and the willingness of people to reach deep within their souls and choose a leader with great potential. Our willingness to embrace a multicultural society enabled "we the people" to speak with a clear and resounding voice. We have chosen to place the honor and burden of the presidency on the broad shoulders of President-elect Barack Obama, and the fact that he is young, gifted and sure of his capabilities to lead a nation in distress only adds sweetness to this victory.
The hard work, determination, hope and belief of Obama's mother and grandmother eventually translated into hope for a nation. And as we move forward, let us remember that true patriotism goes beyond love of party and selfish interests to what is best for the nation. This is what will allow all reasonable people to turn away from fear, sour grapes and media rabble-rousers and join together in a spirit of unity.
To every teacher from pre-school to the university, always believe in the least of your students. And to every parent who faces the daily challenges and frustrations of raising children, take heart in the knowledge that you may be raising a child who will make wonderful contributions to the community and nation. You may even be raising the next president of the United States of America. Yes you can.
Emma McElvaney Talbott is a writer and educator who lives in Louisville. She is one of The Courier-Journal's Point Taken bloggers.
Labels: POTUS Barack Obama
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