【2012 Archives】

With less than a week left before President-elect Donald Trump takes office012 Archives emotions are running high for the Obama family.

As President Barack Obama lives out the final days of his second term, he's reflecting on the highs and lows, the groundbreaking accomplishments and the unbearable disappointments he faced during his time in office.

Grab your tissues, everyone. And prepare to take a look back at Obama's legacy.

Since his emotional farewell address on Jan. 10, NBC's 'Dateline' special, "The Reality of Hope," which aired 10 p.m. ET Friday, and Obama's final weekly address from the White House have been the main source of our tears.

In the interview with NBC News' Lester Holt, we had the chance to see President Obama's final trip on Air Force One, along with his thoughts on being America's first black president and leaving the country at a time when its people are so divided.

In part four of the special, Obama reflected on his most heart-wrenching day as president, one he describes as his "biggest disappointment." After eight years in the White House, Obama tearfully recalled his darkest day: the Sandy Hook shooting that took place on Dec. 14, 2012 in Newtown, Connecticut.

"My worst day as president was hearing that 20 six-year-olds had been shot in the most brutal way, in their school where they should have been safe," Obama admitted before sharing his immense disappointment in the response Congress gave gun control legislation.

After airing his regret, Obama used his final Weekly Address to the American people to highlight and focus on the many positive accomplishments the country has made throughout his two terms.

Echoing his farewell address, he praised the hope and resilience of the American people, celebrated rescuing the economy from crisis, introducing affordable healthcare and overcoming disaster.

He thanked the American people for making him both a better president and a better man, concluding, “It has been the honor of my life to serve you as president."

You're welcome, Obama.

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