In an open letter to the American people, published Thursday, President Barack Obama expressed deep gratitude and made “one final thank you.”
A Final Goodbye
He mentioned that it has been a long-standing tradition for the sitting president to leave a parting letter for the incoming president, sharing some final wisdom from their experience in office. He mentioned that before writing his letter for President Donald Trump, he wanted to write one last letter to the American people. He thanked all Americans, saying:
“…All that I’ve learned in my time in office, I’ve learned from you. You made me a better President, and you made me a better man.”
President Obama went on to explain that we the people have been his source of strength, resilience, and hope. Throughout all the crises he’s witnessed, all the hardship, devastation, and loss that he’s seen during the last eight years, he has been able to experience a light of hope shine through the people and their struggle:
“I’ve seen neighbors and communities take care of each other during the worst economic crisis of our lifetimes. I have mourned with grieving families searching for answers – and found grace in a Charleston church.”
In this letter, he mentions the success of marriage equality and expanded healthcare, and reminds us to “look out for each other.” In this time of uncertainty and doubt, President Obama asks us to take part in “daily acts of citizenship,” regardless of our political affiliations. America is not run by one person, or by a single group of people. This country we live in is an amalgamation of every single person who wants their voice to be heard. Thankfully, Obama tells us:
“I’ll be right there with you every step of the way.”
Moving Forward
We don’t know what the next four years will bring. However, I am confident we will have to wait at least that long to see another president exhibit the grace, intelligence, and empathy we have come to expect from Barack Obama. But we will wait, and while we do we will continue to throw ourselves into the work of citizenship. As President Obama signs off:
“The single most powerful word in our democracy is the word ‘We.’
‘We the People.’
‘We shall overcome.’
‘Yes, we can.'”
I’ll leave you with what I believe to be one of the most significant moments from Barack Obama’s presidency. It is a brilliant example of what a president should be; caring, empathetic, and deeply connected to the American people.
Read the entire letter here:
Featured image credit: Petty Officer 1st Class Mark O’Donald, USN vis Wikimedia Commons/cc-2.0
