Tuesday, December 6, 2022, 8 pm

The Chicago Theatre

Michelle Obama: The Light We Carry Tour Appearance

 

I got my mother her combined birthday and Christmas present by taking her to the Michelle Obama “The Light We Carry” tour appearance and buying her and my father the book. My father was waiting for his surgeries, wasn’t feeling well and stayed at home. I took pictures of her standing under the illuminated Chicago Theatre “Michelle Obama December 5 & 6” sign. We also took selfies together and texted them to my father.

I was grateful we were able to go to this event together.

Dementia runs in our family, and I had a feeling that it may occur with my mother. She was exhibiting the first signs even then, forgetting to close and lock doors and where she placed her belongings.

As a nurse, I’d taken care of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease before. Reminiscing is especially important, so I made sure I took a lot of pictures and video for her to share at a later time if I needed to.

I wore a gold blouse after having seen Michelle Obama in a pair of gold go go disco boots that my mother owned and wore in the 1970s. It reminded me of the Bible verse Job: 23:10: But he who knows the way I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.” I felt it was a befitting wardrobe choice after the Obamas’ two terms in the White House.  

My college friend came from Charlotte, North Carolina. She was born and raised in Chicago like me, but her family moved for work and she went with them. We were all looking forward to this event as soon as it was announced in September 2022.

We just made a day out of it starting at 6:30 am with breakfast at a local restaurant, going to Shed Aquarium and then lunch at the Whole Foods on Canal Street.  

We all agreed that Michelle Obama’s interview was excellent as was to be expected and the book she wrote as well as the phony pony and jumpsuit were lit!

DJ Nice was incredible! We called family and friends on facetime for them to dance to the music, even if it was on their cell phones.

I got my mother her favorite hot beverage: medicine ball from Starbucks with extra honey and lemon. As we shared cups of medicine ball together, my mother asked me about my new job. People being curious came into our conversation asking, “You work at Whitney Young High School?’

“Yes!” my mother replied. “My daughter works at Whitney Young High School.”

My mama was proud of me.