Obamas' inspiration will be missed

When I listened to Barack Obama's speeches when he was on the campaign trail eight years ago, I felt inspired and hopeful, something that I hadn't felt in a long time.

I voted for him twice, and in that time, he worked hard to make this country better for everyone. When I listened to him give his farewell speech at the Democratic National Convention, I again felt inspired and hopeful.

It's a rare ability to be able to inspire people, to make people feel proud to be an American, to make people feel hopeful for the future. It's a good feeling.

In the last several weeks, whether it was watching Michelle Obama do carpool karaoke with James Corden or hearing her talk about her daughters growing up in the White House that was built by slaves or listening to President Obama address the nation in Dallas or at the Convention, my first thought has always been, somewhat wistfully, I'm really going to miss the Obamas.

And my second thought has always been, I'm deeply grateful that Barack Obama has served as my president for the last eight years.

Sue Vanek

Hoffman Estates