Though it may seem like a distant memory to most people, a President who conducted himself with class and decorum once resided at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. Barack Obama, who left office earlier this year, has been enjoying his time away from the political spotlight and also using his availability to attach his name to some worthy causes around the world. Yesterday was different for the former Commander-in-Chief, as he had one thing on his mind: celebrating his wedding anniversary from afar with his wife, Michelle Obama.
She was surprised by a special message from Barack as she was wrapping up her hour-long talk at the Pennsylvania Conference for Women on Tuesday (October 3rd). The two-minute video, which you can view further down this page, was heartfelt and sweet, which surely scored the former Prez major brownie points with his missus. "Hey honey," he said, after a brief intro from Shonda Rhimes. "Listen, I know you are with all these important Pennsylvania​ women and you're sharing the stage with our buddy Shonda Rhimes, but I had to crash this party because today we have been married for 25 years. Now, the idea that you would put up with me for a quarter of a century is a remarkable testament to what a saintly, wonderful, patient person you are."
He continued the love fest by listing all of the amazing qualities Michelle possesses not only as his wife, but as a human being. "Not only have you been an extraordinary partner, not only have you been a great friend, somebody who could always make me laugh, somebody who would always make sure that I was following what I thought was right, but you have also been an example to our daughters and to the entire country," he added. "Your strength, your grace, your determination, your honesty, the fact that you look so good doing all this. The way in which you've always taken responsibility for your own actions, but also looking out for the people around you, is remarkable. And it's no wonder that as people got to know you the way that I got to know you, they fall in love. It is truly the best decision that I ever made to be persistent enough asking you out for a date that you finally gave in. And I hope that you feel the same way."
At the conference, the former First Lady also reiterated how important it was for the United States to raise strong, independent women and not box them in using outdated ideology. "I am constantly telling young women to speak up and talk," she said. "Don't waste your seat at the table, and if you are scared to use your voice, get up and let someone else in who is going to use it." Check out her Instagram anniversary message to Barack below as well.