Quotables: The First Mother-in-Law...and MY Mother

“When you acquire knowledge, you acquire something no one can take away from you."

I have heard this quote so many times from my own mother that when I read it in an article in the New York Times, I felt a chill that somehow the newspaper had interviewed my own mother! Turns out it is our new First Mother-in-Law they are quoting.

Many of you believe I am such an ardent supporter of our new President because of his politics. That is only partly true. Let me admit freely on this blog that there are other reasons. In our new President I see a man who faced challenges head-on, never giving up, including some that are quite similar to my own. No father, a hard-working, independent, amazing mother and grandmother team who have raised us, ambitious and often oversized goals and ideas and vision. Where many see hope only in his politics, myself included and rightfully so, I also see hope in his life and message.

I have never really been the type to look up to people like athletes to find inspiration and role models. I usually find my role models and mentors at my Church or through family. But in President Obama, I see somebody who overcame - and not just on his own, but because of an amazing and supportive parent. I hope to do the same. I pray to do the same. And while I have no ambitions to be President of the USA, I do hope to be the best Pediatrician in Fresno, CA some day, making sure that every child in our great Valley receives quality healthcare, quality education, safe and reliable housing and nutrition, and an equal opportunity to achieve their own goals and ambitions and vision.

Because you see, once I earn my MD - once that knowledge it firmly planted in my head - that is something no man can ever take away from me. Amen to that!