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There are those who choose to reach out and pursue causes greater than themselves. In most cases the rewards cannot be measured in the currency of the realm, but rather in the knowledge that progress has been made on behalf of others in need.
Such is the case with John and Elizabeth Edwards. They chose not to bank their profits, to multiply their wealth for selfish purposes, to take the path of living a life of ease without regard for the suffering and needs of those less fortunate than themselves.
They have known the pain of losing their son, and continue to face the challenge of fighting a deadly disease that will likely be with them both for the rest of their marriage. They could have retreated into self-pity, but did not.
Instead both John and Elizabeth took stock of their lives and resources, and decided to live remarkable lives marked not by duration, but by quality. They contemplated how they could make the lives of others better, and how they could use all that they have and possess to make that happen.
Those of us who followed John and Elizabeth Edwards before they entered politics know the astonishing character they each possess. And to hear the harsh and unsupported criticism of them from political opponents and their supporters has been very hard to bear. But both John and Elizabeth knew that would come with the territory as they decided to launch John's campaigns for President. Even so, we know they deserved better --much better.
The humanity of John and Elizabeth Edwards was never adequately portrayed by the MSM. Mere weeks before Christmas, my family and I were dining at a local Wendy's here in Raleigh when Elizabeth walked in alone. I was hesitant to impose on her, but we wanted her to know that we supported their campaign. Elizabeth graciously stopped and talked with us, indicating she was 'home' trying to do some last minute Christmas shopping for her family while John was in Iowa. She talked with us as friends rather than just supporters. She gave us her full attention, and then left with her dinner in a bag to finish her Christmas shopping alone.We commented after she left how down to earth and genuine she was. Obviously, the rigors of campaigning were difficult, but it had not changed her. She was the same person who left Raleigh on this difficult journey.
John will not be the President of this country, and will not occupy our White House as the People's President. But they have accomplished so much in their efforts that their legacy is assured. They pushed others in the race to address poverty, education, healthcare, the middle class, campaign finance reform, corporate reform, tax reform, the return of constitutional and civil liberties, the end of discrimination, trade reform, a living minimum wage, and the need to immediately end the war in Iraq and reestablish the international standing of the United States as standing for human rights. They were so successful that their rivals 'adopted' their themes and positions as their own on the campaign trail.
There is no doubt that John and Elizabeth have reminded each one of us that " the struggle of today, is not altogether for today—it is for a vast future also.(Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865), U.S. president. annual message to Congress, Dec. 3, 1861).
And now the mantle of seeking greater good for our fellow citizens is passed on to each one of us. We must not allow it to fall even though 'these are the times that try men's souls.' (Thomas Paine (1737-1809).
We should take the lead that John and Elizabeth have shown, and continue the fight for what is right. In doing so there are markers along the road to progress, such as one of the inscriptions at the Robert F. Kennedy gravesite in Arlington National Cemetery:
"What we need in the United States is not division. What we need in the United States is not hatred. What we need in the United States is not violence or lawlessness, but love and wisdom and compassion toward one another, and a feeling of justice toward those who still suffer within our country whether they be white or they be black. Let us dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote so many years ago: To tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world. Let us dedicate ourselves to that and say a prayer for our country and our people."
I am reminded that as we work for what is righteous change in this country, we earn anew appreciation for what it means to be a citizen of a country founded upon democratic principles and the preservation of freedom and liberty under the rule of law.
When John and Elizabeth exit the public stage today, they take with them the realization that they fought the good fight. They remained true to their principles. They ran their race with integrity and dignity, and they have nothing to regret about the campaign they ran. They have demonstrated without doubt they love their country, and we are all the better for it.
"Only he can understand what a farm is, what a country is, who shall have sacrificed part of himself to his farm or country, fought to save it, struggled to make it beautiful. Only then will the love of farm or country fill his heart. (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1900–1944).
In closing, take comfort in knowing that the sacrifices of John and Elizabeth Edwards, and the sacrifices made by the rest of us who have joined them in their cause with our time and contributions, were not made in vain. We made a difference, and it matters not that we will not receive a winner's trophy and public adoration.
In the end we know our cause was and is true as we press forward to the prize, and that was always the goal from the beginning.......
"There is a destiny that makes us brothers;
None goes his way alone:
All that we send into the lives of others
Comes back into our own." Edwin Markham (1852–1940)
May it be so.
Thank you John and Elizabeth Edwards.
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