Day 234: A Gracious Mother & Leader

"The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered. 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 & precious. And for that I am grateful." -Elizabeth Edwards

I share with the rest of the Nation the great sadness that we have lost Elizabeth Edwards today.

Maybe I was so fond of her because she was a dedicated mother and married to her law school sweetheart. Maybe I had a soft spot for her courageous behavior because she lived with breast cancer. Maybe I just was drawn to her commitment to her family because she buried her 16 year old son when he was killed in an auto accident. Maybe I loved her strength and dignity when confronted with so much adversity.

I have been married a long time. I know people make mistakes and have flaws. I recognize none of us are perfect. I will never forget Ms. Edwards saying, "John is a very good man, who did a very bad thing." She was raw, honest and the truth is John loved her in a way many of us will never experience.

My heart aches for her three beautiful children today. Losing your mother when you are young is criminal. And Elizabeth having lost her son, was just an awful punishment that none of us should ever have to endure.

I loved Elizabeth's resilience, and her lovely grace. I also loved her compassion as a political booster. Her brains, her wit, and courage will always be traits I admire. I feel like I lost a friend today, and I have never met Elizabeth.

May she find solace in reconnecting with her son Wade in heaven, and peace that her body does not have to fight anymore.

Thank you Elizabeth for showing women how to be a beautiful leader, mother, sister, friend and champion.

Day 4: What Do Boobs Really Mean to Women?

Hi friends,

I had intended to write more about my escapades in the Big Apple as well as other thoughts swirling around in this Blond head of mine until one of my oldest & dearest friends sent me a message today that rocked my locks of curls ... I asked her if it would be okay to share her message with the world as I strongly believe that her insight is a message women should hear - especially those going through breast cancer ...

Ironically, her message arrived on the same day that the Today Show produced a segment about the significance of Hair for women and its importance to us ... hair along with Boobs can be a defining body image for many women, and I am no exception ... a bad hair cut or bad hair day can truly effect your day ... and sagging breasts at my age in life is a timely conversation topic among my peers ... but then a friend shared with me what she's going through and I realized that those drooping breasts should be celebrated instead of dreaded ...

A Brave & Insightful Friend Wrote to me Today:

I am getting my implant out tomorrow, and my breast will just be one deflated piece of skin with a nipple still attached, thank G-d they can save the nipple, until the tissue heals in about a year. At that time I will get both implants redone, G-d willing. Which brings me to this ... Take some sexy pictures of yourself showing off your breasts - they are such a beautiful thing on a woman's body and I think its something we take for granted. They will never look as good as they do right now because gravitation takes place every day - hide the pictures in a safe place just for your own keeping, maybe share them with your husband or significant other. I kept trying to find a camera with a remote before I started radiation to do the same and never could. I wanted to take some photos, not only for me, but for Steve too because he is such a tit man. Now, for the next year, I will be having sex while in a Fredrick's of Hollywood or Victoria Secrets outfit to hide my boob. I know it could be so much worse, believe me. So, remember to do this. Robyn, make this a birthday present to yourself - seriously!

My dear Friend YES I will make this a Birthday present to cherish my body, my friends and their boobs and realize that a little sagging is far better then cancer and the pain my friend is going through ...