For Elizabeth

Today I pray for Elizabeth Edwards, a fellow North Carolinian who has been a model of integrity, truth and courage for many years. She lies at home today, surrounded by her loved ones, preparing to die. I know she has planned carefully for this day. Still though, it is sad to see someone so valuable too soon leave the scene. Her decency and tremendous instinct for the human condition will live on, as it does in her statement today ...

"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 to everyone who has and continues to support and inspire me every day. To you I simply say: you know."