Portrait of a Lady

Just wanted to acknowledge the passing of a woman who seemed to be such a devoted wife and mother -- Elizabeth Edwards. She died of cancer today at age 61, surrounded by her family (including estranged husband, John).

She endured more than her fair share of suffering in her final years -- the death of a teenage son, an ongoing battle with cancer, her husband's infidelity and subsequent child-out-of-wedlock -- but she seemed to weather these storms with grace and poise and I admired her for that.

While I never knew her personally, as a mother, I mourn her loss and am especially saddened that her youngest two children (ages 10 and 12) had such little time with their mom. I can only hope their father steps up to the plate to fill the parental void and keep her memory alive within their family.

Rest in peace Elizabeth.