Elizabeth Edwards Tribute

1 year ago

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Woman Up Editor

Elizabeth Edwards, the separated wife of former Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina, is reported to be losing her battle with breast cancer, which was diagnosed during the 2004 presidential election campaign, in which her husband was the Democratic candidate for vice president. Mrs. Edwards' personal strength and tenacity were repeatedly tested by crushing disappointments and unmet expectations.

After coping with the death of her teenage son Wade, Mrs. Edwards sought fertility assistance in her 40s and had two more children. Many saw her miscast but driven support of her husband's political career as his greatest asset in his Senate and presidential campaigns that followed. Despite her loyal backing, she was the victim of humiliating public unfaithfulness while she was also experiencing prolonged cancer treatment.

Her demonstrations of strength and will, though a model for tolerance and a resilient spirit, were also a study in questionable choices. At a time when she might have been restoring her strength to fight the deadly disease, Elizabeth instead wrote a detailed memoir that doubled as a platform to excoriate her husband's mistress.

Nonetheless, now that Elizabeth may be near death -- "The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered," she wrote on Facebook. "We know that." -- the 61-year-old mother of three living children credits family, friends and "faith in the power of resilience and hope," for sustaining her through her storied life. If these are indeed her last days, then Elizabeth Edwards can pass on to a peaceful end knowing for her children and friends she has been a pillar of forbearance nearly mythological in scope.

Filed Under: Woman Up, Elizabeth Edwards

Tagged: Elizabeth Edwards, John Edwards, obituary, Tribute

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ngpcdhs

"..a pillar of forbearance nearly mythological in scope." You have got to be kidding. If she was truely a tower of strength and forbearance she would have left her husband and demonstrated to her children, particularly her daughters, what self-respsect is all about. If my daughter was married to a man who treated her in such a manner I would be wondering where I had failed in raising her.

December 13 2010 at 1:01 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Valdete

GOD BLESS YOU

December 11 2010 at 6:05 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

herringdan8888

MRS EDWARDS, MAY YOU REST IN PEACE WE ALL KNOW HOW YOU HAD A BROKEN HEART FROM JOHN IN WHAT HE DID TO YOU AND YOUR KIDS MAY GOD TOUCH YOUR HAND AND HOLD YOU IN HEAVEN NOW WITH NO PAIN AND NO BROKEN HEART AND MAY YOUR KIDS GROW UP AND BE ALWAYS HAVE YOU ON THERE MINDS AND HEART WITH LOVE THE HERRINGS

December 08 2010 at 5:20 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

etheyn

You were a Woman who was admired by many women. Elizabeth we will miss you. My heart goes out to your family and friends, may they find peace with the memories you left to them.

December 07 2010 at 7:47 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down Reply

rockja

what a great woman ,god bless you

December 07 2010 at 7:14 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down Reply

welcome lennis

What a class act. You and Jackie Kennedy taught women how to surrive with diginity and grace. You faith and courage will last forever. Johnathan Edwards did not know what he had.

December 07 2010 at 6:57 PM Report abuse Permalink +2 rate up rate down Reply

brentsmom51

Rest in Peace,Ms. Edwards. You have fought the good fight with much courage and grace. I sure admired you. Sorry you had to suffer such heartbreak. Rest, my dear lady. The world has lost quite a champion.

December 07 2010 at 6:35 PM Report abuse Permalink +1 rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to brentsmom51's comment

Valdete

GOD BLESS YOU

December 11 2010 at 6:05 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

juicyfruit696044

A wonderful woman who will be sadly missed .An inspiration to us all.

December 07 2010 at 6:08 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

McLain person

Godspeed, Elizabeth. You lived a fine and noble life.

December 07 2010 at 6:08 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

misshclark

Dear Children of Elizabeth, My heart goes out to you, I know just how you feel. Losing a parent so young and beautiful on the inside & outside is a pain that we cant comprehend sometimes. The whole world is sending peace and love your way. God Bless and try not to be angry.

December 07 2010 at 5:56 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply