Thanks, Obama.

But really, thank you.  There is no snark or sarcastic quip here.  No gripes or attribution of blame for all of my problems.  Just a genuine, sincere word of gratitude.

I didn’t always agree with your policies. There were plenty of times where we didn’t see eye to eye.  And I have to confess, I didn’t vote for you in 2012.  But as I look back at the past 8 years, especially in contrast to what this past election brought and what the next four years may hold, there are many things I am profoundly grateful for.

Thank you for understanding that the role of president is not about celebrity, but about serving the people and the country. And that serving means sacrifice, it means humility and lowering yourself. Thank you for not using your position for financial or personal gain. Thank you for having the maturity and willingness to bear the burdens of the presidency, including all of the criticism that comes with it, with seemingly boundless grace. Thank you for choosing the high road. You were not prideful. You never lashed out at or mocked those who disparaged you. You simply continued to serve the country and those who criticized you as you pursued your goals and dreams for this country as best as you could.

But most of all, thank you for being a president and a man comprised of respect, composure, intelligence, and character.  For being a leader who was a worthy role model for every young boy and grown man in this country, no matter if he agreed with your policy.

Thank you for your belief in fairness, justice, and inclusion.  For trying to bring people together in unity instead of promoting division.  For promoting peace instead of inciting violence.  For speaking and acting out of love, not hatred.  For trying to take care of the poor and marginalized.  For respecting women.  For not engaging in or condoning “locker room talk.”  For treating people of all races and backgrounds with respect.  For trying to promote equality for all.  For continuing, from beginning to end, to hammer home the message that the power of democracy lies with the people and encouraging us all to get out and do something.  And for your speeches, where in your eloquence you didn’t need to claim that you had the “best words,” you simply used them.  I will truly miss them.

But most of all, thank you for being a president and a man comprised of respect, composure, intelligence, and character.  For being a leader who was a worthy role model for every young boy and grown man in this country, no matter if he agreed with your policy.  For modeling to us all each and every day what love and respect in a marriage should look like.  No matter what criticism you faced for your views on marriage equality, you were a bigger champion of marriage than most of the people who criticized you (and certainly more than the president-elect) through how you treated your wife.  You loved her, you praised her, you respected her, you honored her, you supported her, you were faithful to her, and you believed in her.  Thank you for being a loving and caring father.  And for treating everyone, even your enemies, with dignity, patience, and respect.

As a man and a leader, you have set the bar high and your character could not stand in stronger contrast to the man who is replacing you.  Thank you.  For these things listed and many that are not, I will truly miss having you as our president.