Haven’t you always wondered about the woman who’s married to one of the world’s richest men? And who runs the world’s largest foundation, with assets of $37 billion? This month, Fortune magazine gets the first-ever profile of Melinda Gates, and it’s a good one. Some of my favorite revelations: As a new bride, Melinda nearly didn’t  move into the 40,000 square foot pleasure palace Bill was building on the shores of Lake Washington, and she works hard to keep some private time for family. (Of course, these are the beautiful people: Bono is quoted about how much fun it is to hang out in the kitchen with the Gateses.) And her kids — they have two daughters, 11 and 5, and an 8-year-old son — are beginning to see the outlines of their parents’ work and wealth, and have begun asking penetrating questions. When watching a documentary about poor Indian children, one of their kids began asking Mom if she’d helped that kid, and if not, why not?

It’s a fascinating look at a woman who has a life that’s difficult for me to imagine, but who is in a position to make amazing, lasting change all over the world. You go, Melinda.