In Memorandum

“The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered,” she wrote. “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.”
- Elizabeth Edwards




The 61 year old attorney, best-selling author and estranged wife of former presidential candiate, John Edwards died in her home this past Tuesday. Politics aside, Elizabeth Edwards was a couragous wife and mother who had to cope with some of life's most difficult hardships including her husband's infidelity, her son's tragic death and her own public battle with cancer. Through it all, Elizabeth Edwards demonstrated grace and strength. Elizabeth provided comfort to her family but her reach went far beyond her inner circle for she touched the lives of many with her fortitude.

A devoted mother, Elizabeth Edwards was said to be have been influenced by the 80's movie, "Terms of Endearment" and began writing a letter to her children decades before she told about her disease. Written to help her children cope with the loss if one day she was to die, her "dying letter" to them also served as a manual on how to live.

Whether you have started your family or are preparing to have a child, perhaps you can learn from her example and create your own version of a "life's guide" for your children. The message does not need to be sad in nature and it does not even need to be a source for if and/or when you die. Teaching your children the lessons you learned in life is important; as are your family traditions. Taking the time to chronicle these experiences allows you to leave your stamp on life so that it can be passed on for years to come.

Elizabeth lived life to the fullest and serves an inspiration to " have faith in the power of resilience and hope".

Mourners are asked to make donations to the Wade Edwards Foundation, which was created in honor of Edwards' son who died in a car crash at age 16. www.wade.org/donate.htm

If you want to learn about Elizabeth Edwards in her own words:

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2010/12/09/natpkg.elizabeth.edwards.life.cnn?hpt=C2


Have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo,
The Moody Mamas