Since the Capricorns are getting ready to turn things over to the Aquarians, we like to close things out with a real firework show of power players. The 17th in particular is showcase of Capricorn excellence when it comes to birthdays. Last Sunday, Betty White turned 99, James Earl Jones turned 90, Jim Carrey turned 59 and Dwyane Wade turned 39. Muhammad Ali, Eartha Kitt and Benjamin Franklin, may they all rest in peace, were Jan 17 babies as well. And, of course, the Mighty MObama – Former First Lady and All Around Bad @ss, Mrs. Michelle Obama turned 57. But you didn’t need me to tell you that because almost everyone else posted something to social media letting us know it was time to honor her.
Michelle Obama entered the 57th year of her life Sunday with a slew of well-wishes from friends and family members.
In a post on her own Instagram feed, Obama shared a black-and-white image of herself along with a message of gratitude for the many birthday messages she received.
“Thank you all for the lovely birthday wishes!” Obama wrote. “I know this past year has been difficult for us all on so many levels, so I just hope you all are taking care of yourselves and finding joy in the smallest moments. Love you all. 💕”
Obama’s reference to the difficulties of the past year offered a nod to her outspokenness when it comes to the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, her passion in regards to racial justice and the Black Lives Matter movement, and the recent attack on the Capitol by a mob of violent supporters of President Donald Trump.
I was trying to limit my time on electronics this weekend but when I jumped on, I saw the flood of Instagram and Twitter blessings for Michelle’s birthday and it filled me with bliss. I cannot think of any other political spouse who had to work so hard to gain the public’s acceptance. She had every insult hurled at her, had to endure the smallest, pettiest criticisms every single step of her journey in the public eye and she handled all of it with grace. To see her now celebrated so joyously and by so many is soul-filling. I love that she allowed us to be in that moment with her.
I hear her on the difficult year, we all do. One of the cool things about having a January birthday is psychologically you feel like you get to hit the reset button with both the start of a new chronological year and a new birthday year. So it really does feel like a time to start anew and if anyone can jump start 2021 into a functioning year, it’s Michelle. I know both she and her husband will want to step back and not overshadow the Bidens as they assume their role as our First Family. I respect that. But I also know they will all find a place for each other in this new political landscape because no one wants to see less of the Obamas. Fortunately, with Michelle’s podcast and hopefully more books or articles, her voice will remain with us. Happy Birthday, Mrs. Obama. I hope you take the rest of the month to celebrate. You’ve certainly earned it.
Happy Birthday, @MichelleObama ❤️ pic.twitter.com/gMXnJWx5qf
— Dr. Jill Biden (@DrBiden) January 18, 2021
Happy birthday, @MichelleObama. Thank you for pouring every ounce of yourself into empowering the next generation of leaders. Our country, and myself, are better off because of you. pic.twitter.com/Hlvymr2Ndq
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) January 17, 2021
Photo credit: Instagram and Twitter
She’s amazing and deserves to be honored.
P.S. I’ve always hated how close and welcoming the Obamas were to celebrities, but I understand their appeal.
celebs are just people who have made their own way in life thru hard work and persistence. just like the obamas
This is a lovely tribute and the note from Barack brought a tear to my eye. What a journey the two of them have navigated together. We are blessed.
My best friend from college is a Jan 17 baby, I expect to see her name grouped in with the other 1/17 babies in a few years!
I think part of Michelle Obama’s appeal is that she is so genuine and relatable. I hate the whole “who do you want to have beer with” as a test for president – but she is definitely someone with whom I would love to sit and have a glass of wine (or two) and just talk. She’s successful certainly, and brilliant, and hardworking – but she has another quality (maybe its as simple and natural as charisma) that just elevates her above so many others.
This woman might be at the very least 1 of the classiest ladies to ever be FLOTUS and we should all feel honored by that.
She is incredible. And she gets more beautiful by the year.
💖
Fiercely intelligent, funny, beautiful, accomplished, public-spirited. What a blessing she is.
So much grace. Love her so much.
Our forever first lady! Beautiful person inside and out.
Happy Birthday Michelle. Smart, gracious, inclusive and kind. You set the First Lady standards very high. Thank you for your incredible class and courage.