Dear President Obama,

Thank you for the past eight years. 

You served with bravery, grace, dignity, hope, and love. You inspired in us the belief that we, and by extension our country, could become our highest and best selves. You ignited in us the passion to undertake the work of together accomplishing more than we could as individuals. You exemplified not only how to conduct yourself as the holder of our highest office; but also how to embody multiple roles – husband, father, citizen,  friend – with character and determination. You demonstrated that yes we can make the common goal of equality achievable for every citizen. You personified how frail and flawed humanity can serve as a strength rather than as a hindrance.

You lived your life before us, and we are all the better for it.

With gratitude and pride,

Your fellow American