Readers remember Elizabeth Edwards for her grace under fire
December 7th, 2010
06:54 PM ET

Readers remember Elizabeth Edwards for her grace under fire

Elizabeth Edwards' death has prompted an outpouring of emotional responses from people whose lives have been touched by cancer and others who simply admired the grace with which she fought the disease.

Edwards died Tuesday morning in her Chapel Hill, North Carolina, home after a 6-year battle with breast cancer, her family said Tuesday afternoon. Edwards had announced on Monday that she had given up treatment after doctors told her it would be "unproductive."

Within minutes of posting news of her death, our blog was flooded with readers' tributes.

"Rest in Peace Elizabeth...your grace through so many difficult times will always be remembered! May your Children find solace in knowing many of us are grieving with them!" one reader said.

"I'm saddened to hear of Elizabeth's sudden passing. My mother also died from cancer at age 62 and its a loss that forever changes your life. I pray for all of the Edwards Family that they will find comfort and strength and peace during this difficult time. Life is soo precious and every day that we are given is a gift! Let us all remember that..." another said.

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In life, Edwards had multiple roles, including political wife, best-selling author, attorney and advocate for health care reform. But to many readers, she was remembered as a role model.

"Elizabeth truly set an amazing example not only for her children, but also for us all. She showed us how to be strong in the face of overwhelming adversity. Elizabeth also taught many of us the meaning of dedication, not only to family but also to one's faith. She proved that it is possible to speak your mind and defend your honor and do so gracefully. She's put up an amazing fight in many areas of her life. May she rest in peace. My deepest condolences to her family on their loss," one reader said.

Another reader put it in fewer words: "We will miss you, Elizabeth. You were a source of strength and inspiration to all women who are fighting this horrible, cruel disease. I hope you found peace."

Many seemed to connect with Edwards on a personal level, be it as a cancer survivor, an embattled wife or grieving mother. Several comments referenced her son, Wade, who died in a car wreck in 1996.

"I imagine her son Wade was there to meet her and she is now surrounded with peace and love."

If readers had nothing but kind words for Edwards, the topic of her estranged husband, former presidential candidate John Edwards, provoked equally intense negative comments.

Some disparaged the former North Carolina senator for his affair with an aide that led to his separation from his wife. Most of those comments resulted in rebukes from others. ("For everyone wanting to post something negative about John Edwards, this is not about him. Don't cheapen her life and her death by mentioning their relationship.")

Then, there were those who chose to cast the marital strife as yet another example of Elizabeth Edwards' resilience and strength under fire.

"May she rest in peace. The woman handled politics, infidelity, cancer and death with poise and dignity."

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soundoff (63 Responses)
  1. tricia

    I lost my mom to cancer when she was just 47. we were raised in the south, raised by god fearing parents. and #1)MY DAD WOULDNT STOOP SO LOW TO HAVE AN AFFAIR WITH ANOTHER WOMAN, WHEN HE HAD ANGEL AT HOME. #2) MY DADDY WAS A BETTER MAN THAN THAT.#3) MY DAD TAUGHT ME ALOT THE NEXT 4 YRS ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS. HE SAID, "IF U TAKE SOMEONE AWAY FROM SOMEBODY ELSE, THEYRE WILL BE SOMEONE TO TAKE THAT PERSON AWAY FROM U. I PRAY FOR THE CHILDREN. MAY GOD COMFORT THEM, AND IM CURIOUS,WILL REILLE BE THE FIRST ONE TO BRING A DISH OF FOOD OVER TO THE HOUSE. IM SURE SHES HAPPY, BUT LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE, IT ONLY LAST FOR A SEASON. ( MAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON U JOHNNY BOY).

    December 7, 2010 at 10:51 pm | Report abuse |
  2. Cindy Fleet

    You know Elizabeth was a great woman. How else can you explain this outpouring of love and support for someone that most of us have never met?

    Elizabeth, you showed us what grace under pressure really is. You showed us it doesn't matter how much money you have, you are still vulnerable to the pain of betrayal. How sad that the man you chose for a life mate chose to conduct himself in such a disgusting manner. At a time when you could have used all the emotional support you could have gotten from him. he was missing in action. And, to the other woman that decided she wanted what Elizabeth had, shame on you! How can you feel good about yourself knowing the pain you have inflicted on another woman and her children?

    Elizabeth you fought a good fight. You are finally at peace. I will say a prayer for your children.

    December 8, 2010 at 12:44 am | Report abuse |
  3. ANNETTE BENGTSON

    TO THE CHILDERN OF THIS SPECIAL LADY –I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS–I MEET HER IN ZANESVILLE, OHIO ,DURING THE KERRY CAMPAGIN–JUST LONG ENOUGH TO SHAKE HER HAND, BUT WHEN SHE SPORE YOU COULD FEEL THAT SHE CARED ABOUT ALL–YOU ALL ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS–GOD BLESS YOU ALL-SHE WAS LOVED BY ALOT OF PEOPLE IN THIS NATION-SHE WAS A VERY SPEDIAL LADY -I CRIED WHEN I HEARD--I READ HER BOOK AND GAINED COURAGE FROM IT AND HER–GOD BLESS YOU ALL

    December 8, 2010 at 12:51 am | Report abuse |
  4. Heaven Sent

    Angels are singing joy bells are ringing, Ms. Edwards you want have to cry know more you have reached thee other shore! God promised u joy and peace, Oh what a blessed sweet relief- He has wiped ur tears away ( Rip Liz)

    December 8, 2010 at 4:22 am | Report abuse |
    • Jorge

      Brian?You're referring to Democrats as "DUmmies" while niqtuog the National Enquirer on political issues and asking "Dr." Ruth for gut reactions to moral questions?

      March 14, 2012 at 9:35 pm | Report abuse |
  5. RT

    I lost my sister to breast cancer last year ad it was a horrible experience. She was 42. My prayers go out to the family. Elizabeth was a great lady.

    December 8, 2010 at 10:18 am | Report abuse |
  6. Mary Sue Thompson

    Elizabeth Edwards and I have two things in common, we were both born on July 3 and we both have Breast Cancer. She realized much sooner than some that Breast Cancer isn't something you had but something you have.

    I'm a twenty year survivor of Breast Cancer with an Autologous Bone Marrow Transplant in the same year 1990. Many trials and tribulations with insurance, but I have survived with the disease for many years.

    My mantra for all those years is that if you live every day as though it was your last, one day you would be right. I think this is one person that lived her life to it's full measure, and the world has lost a truly good person..

    December 11, 2010 at 1:49 pm | Report abuse |
  7. Jeferson

    Anne is a great fit before I even saw that you had Anne as a name our liked I had aeraldy filled in the blank with Anne. Marie is another natural fit. I think I aeraldy mentioned this to Catherine but I believe John Edwards wides name is Elizabeth. (maybe you guys don't mind though). Live the name Elizabeth. One I my favorite girl names.

    March 14, 2012 at 10:30 pm | Report abuse |
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