There are so many things I could comment on. Elizabeth Edwards' death yesterday hit me harder than I anticipated. I noted to my husband that it was so sad to have to die under the cloud of what happened in her marriage and that I felt badly for political wives. In many cases, they don't ask to be a politician's wife, that's just what happens. And when it does happen, they lose all sense of themselves and can't really "let loose" at all...because the public eye is on them all of the time judging every move. Could any of us live up to the scrutiny we put our elected officials under? I'm certainly not saying they don't invite it - their lives should be out in the open - but do they have to be perfect? Can they be human? And what about their families...are they not entitled to privacy and respect? We didn't elect them... And for anyone who's ever been betrayed or hurt by a loved one - imagine living through that in the public eye. Ouch.
Actually, as a child care provider I feel sometimes that the persona has to be just right. I judge myself harshly - not wanting there to be anything wrong with what I project out to the world. After all, I am responsible for children every day. Right? Was Mary Poppins ever improper or inappropriate? But lately, I've been thinking. And changing just a little. And letting loose just a little. Because I'm not perfect no matter how badly I want to be sometimes. And life is meant to be lived as is, not squandered looking for that perfect someday.
I read a quote this morning from Elizabeth Edwards and I'll end my meandering, all over the place blog entry with it because it's beautiful. If we were all to live this way, all of the time, the world would be a better place. Cliched but true.
"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 towards everyone who has and continues to support and inspire me every day. To you I simply say: you know."
-Elizabeth Edwards, Dec. 6, 2010
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