We continue our series of interviews with the characters in the forthcoming The Reconstructionists, sequel to The Revolutionists. This time, we have the great pleasure of speaking to the First Lady, Joan Stonebreaker.Biff: “Mrs. Stonebreaker, it is very gracious of you to take some of your time today to speak about your family and concerns as First Lady of the United States. I know that you keep a very busy schedule. I suppose the most obvious question everyone asks you is what it’s like to be married to the President of the United States?”First Lady: (laughing), Why, Biff…I didn’t realize that he was the President…I thought he was my husband…”Biff: “Now, you’re teasing me, Mrs. Stonebreaker…”First Lady: “Why, of course I am, Biff. He is the President, and I am very much aware of that fact every day. His days begin very early and end late, but we always have dinner together. We spend as much time as we can together. When we are in the White House we take our dinner break, no matter what…unless, of course, we are having a State dinner or entertaining others. Michael and I have an understanding…while the nation always comes first while he is serving as President, our relationship is important, as well.”Biff: “I know that the two of you are very close…”First Lady: “We’ve been nearly inseparable, at least in spirit, since we took our vows. His job took him off to war, the military posted us many places before we came to Washington, and when duty calls he answers. However, we are never far away from each other no matter what circumstances face us. I travel more now than I ever did before. As a former teacher it’s my concern that our nation improves our educational progress. Michael backs me up all the way on that issue. I’ve been addressing gatherings throughout the states. Some people were upset when we chose to close down the Department of Education, but we didn’t need to spend tax money on it. The states can handle their own educational needs. We’ve been seeing real increases in performance in test scores, and our state-run Inner City Education Initiative with school vouchers has opened doors for urban students that had been closed to them. It is a very exciting time.Biff: “There has been a lot of criticism because the federal department was closed…”First Lady: “Yes, Biff…I know that, but the results don’t lie. The media can rant and rave all they want to. It doesn’t change the fact that for the first time our ranking on the world education stage is rising again. Our kids are coming alive to the opportunities they see. Society is changing. The economic walls that locked people in ghettos are being pulled down all over America. Welfare is going the way of the dinosaur. Jobs are coming back. Real hope is growing. It’s an exciting time in our nation!”Biff: “I can’t disagree with you there. However, there is a question I’d like to ask you that people would like to know about, if it’s all right?”First Lady: “Of course, Biff. Ask away…”Biff: “What do you and the President consider most important in your marriage?”First Lady: “Faith, family and friendships. We attend church every Sunday, and we’ve made it a practice to go to a different church each week whenever possible. Our faith allows us to trust in the Lord, who is far greater than ourselves. We spend time praying for this nation and all our people every day. The President and I are grounded in the truth, and we don’t make decisions without relying on God. I realize that there are millions of people who don’t believe in anything but their own needs and desires, and that must be a truly terrifying way to live. Life without hope and faith would be frightening!“Family is second on our list. We make time for each other, as well as for our children when they are here. There is nothing more important than family relationships. I am fortunate to still have my parents and my brother and sister. Michael still has his Mom, and Henry, his brother, is my husband’s great counselor. Michael relies on his advice, and mine, too. We are blessed, and we know it. There are so many one-parent families in our nation today…and that is terribly sad. I wish for everyone what we are privileged to have. If there was a way to provide a Dad…or a Mom…to every kid who needs one, I would see to it immediately.  “Last, but not least, we have friendship. There are no greater friends that Vice President and Mrs. Dryden. They are two of the most extraordinary people on this planet. Beyond them there are many, many others who are what Michael and I call the 3:00 a.m. people. They’re the ones who always show up at 3:00 a.m. when you call for help because they love you…and you love them back. We are wealthy in friends!“When you have what we have, that is a rock solid way to live. Michael and I love each other as much as the day we were married. No, I must correct myself. That’s not true! What is true is that we love each other far more than the day we stood in the chapel and took our vows before God. Our loves grows each passing day. That’s what I wanted to say.” Biff: Thank you, Mrs. Stonebreaker. It sounds like your formula for a happy marriage works very well.First Lady: “Biff…you’re most welcomed. It’s too bad that so many people try to make it through life without God’s love and guidance. When you have Him, you have a solid foundation for success. The troubles in this world would be overwhelming to us if we did not have our faith. Now, I have to say goodbye. I have a dinner date that I don’t want to miss!”Biff: Thank you again.