Farewell Letter to President Obama

Wow I never expected to be writing this but we live in extraordinary times. A man I didn't vote for in 2008 and 2012 is leaving the Presidency and I am so sad. And thankful. And anxious about his successor, who has already garnered way too much press and mostly for negative things. 

But I don't want to focus on the negative right now; there has been too much of that. This blog post is one of profound gratitude for the Obamas - for their leadership, example, faith, integrity, passion, and sacrifices. We don't always fully appreciate what (who) we have until we're about to lose it (them)! 

It was heartwarming to go back and read my "Prayer for the President" (see blog post) when he won the election in 2012. I respected him then, but I also greatly admire and love him now. I am touched and grateful to Heavenly Father for answering my prayer for the president over the last 4 years. President Obama has accomplished amazing things in the face of terrible odds and I, as an American, will forever be proud to have lived during his terms in office. Please see my letter below.

Dear President Obama, 

What an amazing honorable legacy you're leaving. You are such an admirable man in so many ways and makes us all want to be a better human and a better American. I just want to find a husband who adores and respects me like you adore and respect Michelle, who prioritizes fatherhood and family dinners when you could make so many excuses not to.

Thank you for your vision of inclusion of every person regardless of their beliefs, background, or lifestyle choices. Thank you for taking the threats of climate change seriously and being a fierce fighter to confront it. Thank you for your example of civility, dignity, and compassion during the many many trials and tragedies our country has faced in the last 8 years. Thank you for frequently and unapologetically calling upon God to bless us and bless this country, for being wise and humble enough to know we can't do this America thing without a higher power. You handle political pressures with calmness, creativity, courage, and exceptional optimism. Thank you for your puns and dad jokes, your shameless singing and joyful dancing, your playfulness with children and animals, and youthful enjoyment of life despite the burdens you carry.

I never voted for you but now I love and will miss you more than I ever imagined. I hope you get a much-needed and well-deserved vacation with your loved ones. I hope you find meaningful work after your presidency and will continue to inspire us with your talents in various capacities. May God bless you, Michelle, Sasha, and Malia with health, safety, peace, and joy for the rest of your lives.

With deep respect and admiration, 

Linda Flores