M

important.

Almost exactly at noon that day, we stood before the country with our two
girls. I remember really only the smallest things—how brightly the sun fell across
Barack’s forehead just then, how a respectful hush came over the crowd as the
Supreme Court chief justice, John Roberts, began the proceedings. I remember
how Sasha, too small for her presence to register amid a sea of adults, stood
proudly on a footstool in order to stay visible. I remember the crispness of the air.
I lifted Lincoln’s Bible, and Barack placed his left hand on it, vowing to protect
the U.S. Constitution—with a couple of short sentences, solemnly agreeing to
take on the country’s every concern. It was weighty and at the same time it was
joyful, a feeling mirrored in the inaugural speech Barack would then deliver.

“On this day,” he said, “we gather because we have chosen hope over fear,
unity of purpose over conflict and discord.”

I saw that truth mirrored again and again in the faces of the people who
stood shivering in the cold to witness it. There were people in every direction, as
far back as I could see. They filled every inch of the National Mall and the parade
route. I felt as if our family were almost falling into their arms now. We were
making a pact, all of us. You’ve got us; we’ve got you.

alia and Sasha were quickly learning what it meant to be watched publicly.
I realized this once we climbed into the presidential limo and began our slow
crawl to the White House, leading the inaugural parade. By then, Barack and I
had said good-bye to George and Laura Bush, waving as they lifted off from the
Capitol in a Marine helicopter. We’d also had lunch. Barack and I were served
duck breast in a formal marbled hall inside the Capitol with a couple hundred
guests, including his new cabinet, members of Congress, and the justices of the
Supreme Court, while the girls feasted on their favorite delicacies—chicken
fingers and mac and cheese—with the Biden kids and a handful of cousins in a
nearby room.

I marveled at how our daughters had managed themselves perfectly
throughout the inauguration, never fidgeting, slouching, or forgetting to smile.
We still had many thousands of people watching from the sides of the road and
on television as the motorcade made its way up Pennsylvania Avenue, though the
darkened windows made it difficult for anyone to see inside. When Barack and I