R.I.P. Elizabeth Edwards
Barb ShellyMuch has been written about what Elizabeth Edwards may or may not have been like in private. I wouldn’t know, and neither would anybody but those nearest and dearest. Gossip from her ex-husband’s former campaign aides isn’t especially reliable.
All we can really comment about is her public personna, and in that Edwards was a beacon. She excuded grace in the toughest of circumstances — her son’s death in a freak accident, lost elections, medical setbacks and, most notably, her husband John’s utterly shameful betrayal and deceit.
Her final posting on her Facebook page is typical of the brave front she displayed to the world:
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.
Edwards died today in Chapel Hill, N.C., at age 61.
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