Barack Obama and his grandmother, Madelyn Dunham

Senator Obama shows once again his human side and emphasizes the importance of family ties. After finding out his grandmother is gravely ill, he has canceled the campaign events that were scheduled to take place on Thursday and Friday.

Obama has flown to Honolulu to be with his grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, who was released from the hospital a few days ago.

The 85 year old woman has supposedly broken a hip, but no official statement has yet been made. Madelyn Dunham is the mother of Stanley Ann Dunham, Obama’s mother, and ever since the latter’s death in 1995 she has been the maternal figure in his life. He has always cared deeply about her and has many times mentioned her in his public speeches.

Obama’s concern is yet greater due to the woman’s advanced age and this summer he has declared that he will try to spend as much time as possible with her.

The senator’s wife will not be traveling with him to Hawaii, but she will attend some campaign events with him in Indianapolis on Thursday and then alone in Ohio, on Friday.