It is a beautiful day once again and I am grateful to be here to enjoy it.
On the other hand today seems to be a sad day: 30 years ago today John Lenon was shot and yesterday we lost one of "Current Women", Elizabeth Edwards. I prefer to think of today as a day of reflection and celebration of Elizabeth Edwards' life.
She truly was a "current woman": strong woman, fantastic mother, supportive wife, determined professional and brilliant writer. Elizbeth had a life full of excitement and adversities. Truly, life to celebrate.
Elizabeth grew up in a military family that led to not having permanent home and a lot of disruption for schooling. This did not stop young Elizabeth to pursue career in law. She was a brilliant student.She began her career as a law clerk and finished her career in the Office of Attorney General in Raleigh. She practiced under her maiden name of Anania. Elizabeth met her husband, John Edwards, in university.
The first tragedy hit their family in 1996 when the oldest son Wade was killed in a car accident. He was only 16. Elizabeth decided to focus on her family and have more kids. This led for her retirement from the career in law. By 2000 Elizabeth and John expanded their family with two more children: Emma Claire and Jack. With three remaining children and senator husband Elizabeth continued her role
as a caring mother and dedicated wife.
Another major upset came in November of 2004. Elizabeth found a lump in her breast that lead to a breast cancer diagnosis. She underwent oncology treatments but in 2007 cancer had returned that eventually led to her demise.
During her life, Elizabeth had to face another tremendous upset, her husbands infidelity. Bravely fighting cancer, this was very difficult for Elizabeth to accept. But she stayed by her husband till January 2010 after he admitted fathering a child with his mistress. This was the end of their marriage and Elizabeth legally separated from John.
On December 6th, 2010 it was widely reported that Elizabeth stopped her cancer treatment after doctors advised that any further treatment will be unproductive. She was advised that she had few weeks to live. On her last day she was surrounded by her family, including her estranged husband John. Here is the last statement on Elizabeth's 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."
On December 7th, 2010 Elizabeth Edwards passed away.
This short story only mentions her major life events. But there was no mention of the woman that has not just dedicated herself to family but also to many meaningful charities and movements. Elizabeth was a strong supporter of many controversial subjects, such as gay marriage and movement against war in Iraq. She became an activist for women's health and cancer patients. She created a Wade Edwards Foundation She also taught legal writing at the University of North Carolina School of Law. In her last decade she wrote two books.
This is truly the "Current Woman". She represented many things that I will make her one of the remarkable women of our times. There are lessons to learn and life to live. RIP Elizabeth. You'll be missed!
Have a great day everyone!
Be Active! Be Involved! Be a Current Woman!
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