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With her family at her side in North Carolina, Edwards is not in pain, those close to her say.
“My heart goes out to this woman who has suffered in so many ways,” wrote CLIFFVIEW PILOT reader Judi Alexander, a cancer survivor. “I hope that someday when my day comes I can demonstrate a fraction of her grace.
“No politics here. You have to be touched by the humanity.”
You also cannot help but be moved by the decision by Edwards, the estranged wife of two-time presidential candidate John Edwards, to post an extremely personal message — directly to the world — on her 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.”
Most of the responses have been touching.
“You are truly loved and admired by so, so many people… and count me in that long list,” writes Carol Wineman. “My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God Bless you, dear heart. You have been a true inspiration to all women.”
“Thank you for showing the world what grace and beauty looks like ….,” adds Sami Sanborn.
“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, your book and your interviews brought me comfort and helped me through the darkest days. When you had your recurrence I emailed you and you so kindly emailed back,” says Suzanne Delman. “I, again, thank you for giving me the courage to face my illness and I saw you as my friend and mentor. During thi…s days, please know that many people, like myself, are thinking of you and I’m sure that the angels are with you.”
One post particularly hits home:
“Elizabeth, on the same day that you announced your cancer had returned, I received my formal diagnosis of Stage IV breast cancer,” writes Laurie Ledgard. “I feel like we have traveled a journey together, and I admired your strength and courage. I’m starting a new chemo tomorrow, and will think of you. wishing you peace in the coming days. Thinking of you, I will fight on.”
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