Articles

The life of Elizabeth Edwards, a great lady who unexpectedly touched our lives.

by Lance Sumner CEO, Buyall Enterprises Inc.

by Dr. Jeffrey Lant


It wasn't supposed to end this way. John and Elizabeth Edwards had a plan.... and were entirely, happily focused on its achievement.


Having failed to achieve the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004 (which didn't worry this effervescent pair one whit), their task was clear: persuade Massachusetts senator Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry that they (for then they were always a couple) were what he needed for victory.


Then work relentlessly to move up.... a second vice presidential term in 2008.... then the heady joys of the 2012 Democratic presidential nomination... then, as they strode into their inaugural ball, "Ladies and Gentlemen, the President of the United States and the First Lady, Elizabeth Edwards."

Theirs was more than a plan... it was a reality so clear and certain they could taste it.


In these days, Elizabeth Edwards did as she was told. Her task (unannounced of course) was nothing less than helping America swallow John Edwards, preparing the way for his all-but-certain coronation.


Even in the early days, America was cautious about Edwards... he was too handsome, too glib, that Southern golden boy smile flashing too often, too automatically. We might be persuaded to like him... but we didn't entirely like him yet.


Which was where Elizabeth Edwards came in. She we could identify with at once. Her smile was warm... her manner congenial, believable. People didn't know her then... but as they did, they liked her. While catty commentators purred that she looked like his mother, mothers everywhere thought: "if he could truly love this good woman of a few extra pounds, he was indeed a good man and worth a second look."


It was a winning formula.

But, it was threatened from its earliest days.

John Edwards, you see, had the wandering eye... and Elizabeth now had cancer. Fate, the master of irony, was not such an easy thing as they had supposed.


Now choices had to be made. Elizabeth needed constant treatment... John Edwards, in the time-tested behavior of men who did not stand by their gals, decided to give infidelity a whirl, with his own particular bedside manner. Why not? He was, after all, the golden boy... and Elizabeth would, he knew, stand by him whatever he did to her.


Bit by bit the facts came out. Had the senator had an affair?


No, he said, he had not. It was all a tissue of lies perpetrated by his political opponents.


Are you sure, senator? Well, okay, I erred but just (he was adamant) for one night and the child being hawked as his own was... someone else's. Not his, so help me God.


Are sure, senator? Well, okay, the affair was longer than I said... but, I swear, the child is not mine.


Are you sure, senator? Well, okay, it is my child, sure as shooting.

And what of Elizabeth Edwards? Struggling as she was with an illness getting more and more serious she had, at that exact moment, to confront the fact that her husband, the man she believed in, had lied to her and lied and lied again, always confident of the forgiveness that golden boys believe is theirs when their mates are plainer with extra pounds. There was here, as there always is, the whiff that she was lucky to have him, then flash that thousand-volt, always-winning smile, the one that makes friends and influences people.


This time it didn't work... for, in Elizabeth Edwards, America was already aware of what she had that was so deeply lacking in her unrelentingly cynical and prevaricating mate. She was real, genuine, authentic, a woman confronting the failure of her body and her mate with self-control, dignity, and honesty. Thus, John Edwards learned the hard way that you cannot cheat on the woman you have lied to when that woman is in the process of becoming a saint.

In her last Facebook session, Elizabeth Edwards said a graceful good-bye to her many friends worldwide, people whose lives her authentic behavior and courage had inspired:


"I have been sustained throughout my life," she wrote "by three saving graces -- my family, my friends, and a faith in the power of resilience and hope. The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. We know that."


Thus, simply, Elizabeth Edwards ended a life of events spectacular and heart-rending. At the end, she was no longer defined as John Edward's wife, the designated junior partner. She had long ago surpassed him in importance and stature. It was she America looked to for inspiration, kindness and care.

Scourged by the tragic death of her beloved first-born son, by the blatant betrayal of her mate, and by insistent, weakening health crises, Elizabeth Edwards showed us all how to grow while confronting issues which cripple and demoralize so many. In private, she no doubt gave way to doubt, pain, and that sickening feeling when one confronts the loss of life and love. But whatever her private demons, publicly Elizabeth Edwards moved towards her destiny with a manner invariably gracious and an unshakable message of inspiration and joy.


Thus, at her deathbed, there was the feeling that a great lady was passing. Thousands worldwide stopped to inquire how she was... and to wonder at her unfailing generosity even at this penultimate moment.

And what of John Edwards, now separated from the woman he had spurned and lied to? "A family friend said John Edwards was present." Did he flash his mega-watt smile, that now seemed so contrived? Did he whisper death-bed condolences to the woman he had insulted and who knew just what any of his words were worth?


I think in the end, seeing for him a long life without any of his dreams achieved... or even an ability to dream at all; I think she smiled at him, knowing all, forgiving much, and held his hand for a moment, ready for an eternity she did not fear.


About The Author

Harvard-educated Dr. Jeffrey Lant is CEO of Worldprofit, Inc., where small and home-based businesses learn how to profit online. Attend Dr. Lant's live webcast TODAY and receive 50,000 free guaranteed visitors to the website of your choice! Dr. Lant is the author of 18 best-selling business books. Republished with author's permission by Lance Sumnerhttp://Profit2Riches.com. Check out Total Traffic Annihilation -> http://www.Profit2Riches.com/?rd=nj41o2Tr


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About Lance Sumner Committed     CEO, Buyall Enterprises Inc.

421 connections, 4 recommendations, 1,138 honor points.
Joined APSense since, May 24th, 2010, From Springfield, United States.

Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.

Comments

Toni Schaberick Advanced   DePuy Hip Implant Victim
how could he even consider to betray this great and adorable lady?
Dec 15th 2010 14:28   
Lance Sumner Committed   CEO, Buyall Enterprises Inc.
Visit our Live Business Center where you can meet the man who writes some great and relevant articles daily at http://www.profit2riches.com
Dec 15th 2010 14:47   
Laura Newton Committed  The Water Filter Lady
That was very touching. Yes, Elizabeth taught us alot, and its very sad to see this wonderful lady pass. Through all that she went through she still loved her husband dispite the infidelities. She will surely be missed by many.
Dec 15th 2010 18:40   
yane zhang Innovator  doc
It wasn't supposed to end this way. John and Elizabeth Edwards had a plan
Dec 15th 2010 20:26   
Slamet Paminto Senior   Internet Marketer
I want like this and I need more time for learn it all
Dec 15th 2010 20:40   
Mohd latif Ali ashiak Innovator   consultan
It is only visible to campaign creator!
Dec 15th 2010 20:49   
Bisma Nusa Advanced  Just an ordinary man...
it's so good story,
thanks to the author.
waiting your another story ... :)
Dec 15th 2010 22:45   
Reggie W. Senior   Internet Marketer
yes she was a great lady and will be missed by millions worldwide
Dec 15th 2010 22:48   
ssudec Advanced  
great site and thanks for information...
Dec 16th 2010 06:00   
David L. Professional   Freelance web designer n blogger
well is a nice website from this author. keep it works...
Dec 16th 2010 07:12   
Sushil Sharma Magnate I   am a networker from india
good and informational bulletin about elizabeth
Dec 16th 2010 09:02   
Vishwajeet Kumar Magnate I   Blogger
Nice post, thanks for sharing this, i like it!!!
Dec 16th 2010 09:05   
murali kodali Committed  Internet Surfer
this lady is totally different from other beauties of the world
Dec 16th 2010 09:22   
DEJAN T. Advanced   Internet Surfer in All Areas
well done for this job... thx for info........................................
Dec 16th 2010 11:40   
Carlos Silva Magnate I   Entertainment - radio broadcasting
HI. This is really a good story, a life story to learn about through people.
Dec 16th 2010 11:46   
Ghulam murtaza Freshman  
Have you looked at the members of the human comedy as we (for I include myself) go about the business of living. Review the faces you see. How many exhibit such off-putting expressions that would make Ebenezer Scrooge seem like Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm? Answer: a number that seems to grow by the hour. Indeed, the "get lost; leave me alone; don't you dare speak to me" expressions are so characteristic of our time that the Rolling Stones hit "I can't get no satisfaction" should become our national anthem. That's why we need to put "smile" at the top of the list.
Dec 16th 2010 12:58   
Shobha Vijay Junior   Medical traanscriptionist
It was really touching.Thanks to author.
Dec 16th 2010 13:52   
Charles Teschendorf Freshman   
I think there is a conspiracy involved. It's a darn shame :(
Dec 16th 2010 23:27   
Supol Tussadorn Innovator  
That was very touching. Yes, Elizabeth taught us alot, and its very sad to see this wonderful lady pass. Through all that she went through she still loved her husband dispite the infidelities. She will surely be missed by many.
Dec 17th 2010 04:07   
Nnamdi A. Magnate III   Internet Marketer
You are a good writer. I have enjoyed your article and am wishing Elizabeth peaceful rest. As for John, he should repent before his death comes. It will be a very painful thing to meet your creator unprepared.
Dec 17th 2010 04:08   
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