Sending out love tonight to the family and loved ones of the late Elizabeth Edwards. I was honored to share the stage with Ms. Edwards at The Monti, a monthly storytelling event here in the North Carolina triangle, earlier this year. She offered me a warm smile and handshake, many compliments, and a heap of grace -- despite how difficult that night must have been. I will always remember the fearless, truth-telling woman who held on to grace and humor in the face of adversity.
I sat among the rapt audience as Ms. Edwards told a beautiful, revelatory story that gave us a glimpse on an extraordinary life. We all knew we were witnessing something special that night. Ms. Edwards was a woman on a mission to tell her story, in her own words, to those who would listen -- even as that story was coming to a close. She was reminding us that even the most dignified, well planned lives sometimes take turns we couldn't possibly plan for, deal cards nearly impossible to play. So we learned much about forbearance that night. Fortitude. Forgiveness. We learned a lot about life.
We laughed. And together, we honored her with a standing ovation. It wasn't enough.
North Carolina - and America - lost a great woman today.
On July 4, 2010, WUNC - the local NPR affiliate here in Durham, NC - aired a special featuring mine and Elizabeth Edwards' story at The Monti. Ms. Edwards' heartwarming story about her late father holds special meaning tonight.
Rest in Peace, Ms. Edwards.
Link: Many are sharing tributes and condolences at Elizabeth Edward's Facebook Page.
1 comment:
Thank you for sharing, Tara. I found Elizabeth Edwards to be a real personal hero. I admired her grace immensely. She got knocked down a time or two but she never stayed down long.
Post a Comment