And I am especially proud and touched to be able to stand here today with my close friend and colleague, Michael Morell, who epitomizes what it means to be an intelligence professional.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House

When I asked my close friend, a stay-at-home mom, about it, she told me about her own husband, who had to miss the first week that their young son spent at a new school because of a business trip.

WSJ: Being a Murphy Brown Working Mom in a June Cleaver Stay-at-Home World

In fact the only person who came close was my friend from London who had arrived a few hours earlier.

BBC: News | Africa | Namibia: Same continent, different world

My sister recommended a close friend and former classmate at Harvard who is looking for babysitting jobs in the NYC area.

FORBES: Harvard Grad Seeks Babysitting Jobs

Amsterdam wasn't Israel, but it was close enough for my best friend to agree to fly there to be with me for a few days.

WSJ: Etgar Keret on a Bumpy, Post-Sept. 11 Plane Ride | Traveler's Tale

He is one of my business mentors and a close friend.

FORBES: Qualities of Successful Entrepreneurs

Before I close, I want to give a special thank you to my good friend and partner in this effort, First Lady Michelle Obama.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House

My doctor at Children's helped me make arrangements to move into a garage apartment with a close family friend near the hospital.

CNN: From 58 pounds to thriving