I am just barely to the point of consistently dating my checks with the new year and already, I am tired of all the talk about the 2008 Presidential Election. On the surface, Elizabeth Edwards’ cancer recurrence is a political story. To my mind, the story is everything BUT political.
I don’t know Elizabeth Edwards, her husband, or her children. If we met, I expect that I would like her, even if I didn’t agree with her philosophically or politically. I have not dealt with the unexpected death of a child and I have never been a cancer patient. Regardless of our differences, there are similarities. I am a middle-aged woman; I am a mother of young children; and my daily life is affected by a chronic health condition (not my own). I was saddened to hear that her cancer had returned. Not because I have an interest in her husband’s political campaign, but because I hurt at the idea that her husband, her children, her extended family and her friends may have to face a life without her.
Since the announcement of her recurrence, there has been quite a bit of commentary about whether or not her husband’s political campaign should continue. Quite honestly, I just don’t think that it is anyone’s business but theirs. There are so many unknowns in this equation and there are so many variables that change frequently. The reality is that The Edwards’ have to weigh those things and make the decisions that are best for them.
I wonder more about other parts of this issue…
Would it be easier for us if we didn’t have to watch her suffer?
What would it say to and about breast cancer survivors for her to surrender?
If I am ever in that situation, would I want to have to live the life that others think is appropriate for someone with that condition?
I am going to keep thinking about these things and I’ll share more of them in future posts. What do you think?
