Elizabeth Anania Edwards is known as the wife of former presidential candidate John Edwards (from whom she was separated after revelations that he'd fathered a child by a mistress), but she had so much going for her in her own right. She was an attorney, an author, an advocate for health and social issues, and a mom to four children, three of whom were with her, along with her husband, when she died. (Their oldest son, Wade, was killed in a car accident several years ago.) Her battle to live her life to the fullest after being diagnosed with breast cancer was very inspiring. I never cared for her husband (he reminded me of a used car salesman even before the news of adultery came out), but I was very impressed with her, and I am quite sorry to hear of her passing. My condolences to her family and others close to her.
From her Facebook page:
“You all know that I have been sustained throughout my life by three saving graces — my family, my friends, and a faith in the power of resilience and hope. These graces have carried me through difficult times and they have brought more joy to the good times than I ever could have imagined.
“The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that. And, yes, there are certainly times when we aren't able to muster as much strength and patience as we would like. It’s called being human. But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful.
“It isn’t possible to put into words the love and gratitude I feel to everyone who has and continues to support and inspire me every day. To you I simply say: you know.
“With love, Elizabeth.”
We can each of us hope for such a life and death full of dignity and resilience. She weathered both the joys and sorrows of life with quite a bit of grace. Requiescat in pace.
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