For her 53rd birthday, and to honor her work during the last eight years as First Lady, I offer a few quotes from Michelle Obama:

"When someone is cruel, or acts like a bully, You don't stoop to their level. No, our motto is, when they go low, we go high."

"Failure is an important part of your growth and developing resilience. Don't be afraid to fail."

"Success is only meaningful -- and enjoyable -- if it feels like your own."

"We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our own 'to do' list."

"Success isn't about how much money you make, it's about the difference you make in people's lives."

"Being a healthy woman isn't about getting on a scale or measuring your waistline."

"No matter what, you give everybody a fair shake, and when somebody needs a hand, you offer yours."

"Empower yourselves with a good education, then get out there and use that education to build a country worthy of your boundless promise."

And one final quote from Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States, speaking to his wife, during his Farewell Address:

"Michelle, for the past 25 years, you've been not only my wife and mother of my children, but my best friend. You took on a role you didn't ask for and made it your own with grace and grit and style and good humor. You made the White House a place that belongs to everybody. And a new generation sets its sights higher because it has you as a role model. You've made me proud. You've made the country proud."

We will miss you, FLOTUS.