Elizabeth Edwards died from complications of breast cancer at the age of 61. Edwards passed while at home in North Carolina with her three living children, siblings, friends as well as her estranged husband John Edwards. The couple separated earlier this year, but never divorced. Edwards was first diagnosed with cancer in 2004.
Her family released this statement saying "Today we have lost the comfort of Elizabeth's presence but, she remains the heart of this family. We love her and will never know anyone more inspiring or full of life. On behalf of Elizabeth we want to express our gratitude to the thousands of kindred spirits who moved and inspired her along the way. Your support and prayers touched our entire family."
Elizabeth Edwards was a close adviser of John Edwards as he ran for president two times. During his second run in 2007, Elizabeth Edwards was told her cancer had spread. Eventually John Edwards lost the nomination to Barack Obama. During the second campaign for president, it came out that John Edwards had had an affair and fathered another child. In January, Elizabeth separated from John Edwards.
Through it all, the loss of a child, two campaigns, cancer, her public marriage disaster, Elizabeth Edwards maintained her grace and remained close with her family. She wrote a book and spoke about the ordeal of her cancer, and how she handled her young children’s questions.
In a final message to the world on Facebook, Elizabeth Edwards said yesterday, "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."
In all she did and all we saw, Elizabeth Edwards was an incredibly lovely, loving and compassionate woman. She has been incredibly strong these last few years, and she handled it with more dignity than many of us would have in her situation. It says a lot that John was by her side as she died today – she was a special lady. Although she was never the first lady, she certainly capture America's heart in this past decade. She is a symbol and hope and strength and dignity. Now she is at peace and no longer has to struggle with the cancer. If you wish to donate, the family has asked for donations to be made to the Wade Edwards Foundation.
© Copyright: News Today Online by Kate James at Gather.com
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Comments: 4
As for as her sorry a-- husband, I wouldn't have let him near her, she and her family are better people than I am.