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Barack Obama, building community, community, compassion, courage, democracy, doing the right thing, health care, hope, human rights, humanity, Hump Day Chronicles, integrity, kindness, laughter, leadership, life, Michelle Obama, passion, thank you, tolerance, USA, world issues

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama greet Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Sophie Grégoire Trudeau at the North Portico of the White House in Washington, Thursday, March 10, 2016, for a state dinner. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Just a quick note to thank you and Michelle for being great examples of what leadership should look like.
I want to thank you both for all you did, and tried to do to make the United States and the world a more tolerant and safe and inclusive place. For ensuring that more folks had access to health care, for bringing hope to whole communities that had no hope before, for making tough choices, and patiently with humility, building solid relationships on the world stage. And most of all, for doing it with the poise, dignity, passion, integrity, compassion and sense of humour that should be the norm for any person who occupies a position of power.
No single person is perfect, or always gets everything right, but I believe that you did the best you could within the choices you had, and I for one, felt that I could breathe a little easier, even from way over here in Canada.
I wish you and Michelle all the very best and I know that you will continue to make a significant mark in whatever challenge you take on next.
Well done and thanks again,
Diana Schwenk, Alberta, Canada
~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~
Well said! I will miss them very much.
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Wonderful letter Diana! They will be missed so much. 💛
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Thanks Val! Yes, people will long for them, I’m sure. ❤
Diana xo
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Well done, Diana! xxoo
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(smiling) Thank you ms. Ann. ❤
Diana xo
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He wasn’t the perfect President but for certain tried hard with improving national health care access, speaking out to improve race relations, etc.
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Thanks for chiming in Jean! ❤
Diana xo
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I too appreciate your letter Diana. It demonstrates your grace and thoughtfulness — and how light shines brighter in the dark, because the light of the Obamas is even stronger as I look ahead to the next four years in the US and wonder (worry) what will unfold.
When we were in Mexico, we chatted with a couple from Ohio. One of the things the woman said was that they’ve travelled a lot and while they’ve been ‘hated’ as Americans, they’ve never been ridiculed, and now she feels like everyone is laughing at them.
So glad to hear you mailed it!
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Thanks Louise, one great thing about light is once it’s gone, people begin to long for it again. ❤
Diana xo
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I miss them already. A portrait in dignity and grace. They made a difference. History will treat them well, even as so many continue to criticize them. The contrast with the new administration is already pretty well defined. sigh…
Great letter, D. So well expressed.
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Thanks Van, I think history will treat them well too. ❤
Diana xo
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Well said. His farewell speech was wonderful – full of humility. All the things Trump isn’t.
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Thanks Jenny. I did not see his speech – I should google it! I did however see the coverage of him awarding Joe Biden with the award of freedom medal. Very touching. ❤
Diana xo
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Wonderful letter Diana. Both Obama and Michelle have inspired so many people. They have done a wonderful job. Becoming the first black President was such an amazing achievement on so many levels and Obama has approached his responsibility in office with grace and dignity. I cannot imagine the next 4 years. 🙂
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Thank you Karen. You know it’s funny, I never really gave much thought to the fact that he is black. I just think he’s a man of good character. I hear you though, and I remember his inauguration on TV and seeing African Americans crying with joy! ❤
Diana xo
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Great note, they are what bar should be set at sadly I think his replacement will not even come close
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They’re pretty awesome Jo-Anne!♡
Diana xo
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I miss them already and know that the US and the world will miss them. And what follows scares us all. So sweet of you to write this. I hope you mail it to him. xox
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Thanks Lisa! I emailed through the contact form the Obamas set up on the White House site! Such character inspires me! ❤
Diana xo
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