The time has come that we bid a long farewell to our president of eight years, Barack Obama.
This hard goodbye comes after months of denial and hoping that in some miraculous way, President Obama would get a third term. Our fears were realized as he gave his farewell address to millions of Americans watching his words, love, and leadership slowly deviate from television screens everywhere in early January.
Social media’s version of separation anxiety was at an all time high from the many tweets, gifs, flash back photos, and quotes that made our president the man that he was in the last eight years. Admittingly, it is such a hard scene to watch when you know that the incoming administration holds so much controversy and opposing views that many Americans do not agree with.
However, despite of Obama’s upcoming absence, there is so much to look forward to in spite of the president elect’s forthcoming promises.
It is important not to forget what President Obama has given this country in the last eight years, which are hope and change. These words that he decided to choose as a platform were not anything he picked out of the dictionary because they sounded good. Instead these were words that he could help us to believe in because he believes them himself.
In the last eight years this president, unlike some before him have been depicted in one of the most positive lights. I think that many of us can agree when we say that we probably had the coolest president to ever hold office. I mean, what other president do you know openly played two on two basketball as a pass time or coveted the culture of hip hop while holding a high office?
President Obama’s legacy is one that will not go forgotten. Tarnished by some, but never forgotten. This is the same man who would roll up his sleeves and loosen his tie in a corporate press conference and make sure that all of his points were taken. This is the same president who never backed down from conflict and always managed to make light of the darkest situations.
However, he did not make this legacy on his own.
One cannot think of Barack Obama without thinking of his partner for life, Michelle Obama. A part of him leaving office comes with the grief in realizing that the same woman who appeared on shows such as iCarly, Ellen Degeneres, Jessie, 106 & Park, Sesame Street and countless others will no longer be our FLOTUS.
Her impact in office was just as big as his and it is with that many of us kept tissues nearby on the night of his farewell speech. Michelle is a woman who not only had her hair laid but also made it known that her fight for health, women, girls and education was one that was not going ignored.
It is admirable to know that we have had a FLOTUS who was just as human as those looking to her on the covers of Vogue and the New York Times. To have a First Lady who is just as diverse and multifaceted as the people she represents is making this departure even more difficult.
Let’s be honest, our First Lady was amazing!
Michelle has managed to raise two teenage daughters, remix some of the most popular songs for her healthy eating campaign (turnip for what anyone?) and constantly slay in countless ball gowns made by some of the world’s favorite designers.
She’s pretty lit guys.
Even with the incoming administration there is still so much to look forward to in Obama’s absence. He is leaving us with integrity to move ahead and a reminder that justice does not always come easy. He has made so many strides as the first black president that it is imperative that we continue to make strides of our own.
Nonetheless, do not be discouraged that his term is coming to an end but instead be encouraged about the strides that we can make.
But of course, it is always hard to say goodbye and it is with that we must say, President Obama we will miss you.