I’m sure we all remember the “Thanks, Obama!” memes that started shortly after President Barack Obama took office for his first term. Both republicans and democrats enjoyed the memes and their ability to blame one man for just about anything. As President Obama’s second term is coming to an end, I would truly like to say thanks, Obama!

Thanks, Obama for helping to legalize gay marriage. Although, I, myself am not gay, many people in my life are. The legalization of gay marriage helped to unify our country and to help get our nation one step closer to having equal rights for all.

Thanks, Obama for supporting Planned Parenthood. Women everywhere are able to receive birth control, cancer screenings, STI/STD testing and treatment and so many other health services.

Thanks, Obama for creating a universal healthcare. While the Affordable Care Act has its flaws, people all over our country now have affordable healthcare and that is truly something to be proud of.

Thanks, Obama for supporting and standing with those in the LGBTQUIA+ community. For supporting those who are struggling and showing what acceptance is.

Thanks, Obama for cutting military spending and bringing our troops home from war. I didn’t grow up in a household with a strong military influence, but the idea that people now have their sons, daughters, husbands, wives, mothers and fathers, etc. home again is something that puts my heart at ease along with military families all over this country.

Thanks, Obama for having a more accepting viewpoint on immigrants, legal or otherwise. Recognizing that hundreds of thousands of people in this world want to come to America in hopes of a better life, rather than to steal jobs or harm US citizens, makes me proud to be an America citizen.

Thanks, Obama for having real family values. Michelle shows me every day what a strong woman looks like and your daughters are idols to girls all over our nation. Your family is a first family to be proud of.

Thanks, Obama for both lowering our national debt and creating 9 million jobs since taking office in 2009.

Thanks, Obama for trying to make college more affordable for students like me who could not afford to go to college without government assistance.

And finally, thanks, Obama for showing me what a real leader looks like. Thanks, Obama for being a president I can be proud of. I am so honored to have had such an amazing husband, father, leader, man, person as my president for the last eight years. Thank you for your service and thank you for your time. You will truly be missed.