Why not be a fighter?

We can't pick up a newspaper or watch television without seeing or reading something about Elizabeth Edwards these days. She is everywhere. Sadly, however, as she fights for her life and her right to live it out as she chooses, she is being faced with enormous criticism. The criticism isn't coming from the political arena or from her medical team, it comes, instead, from her own sisters....other women and mothers just like herself. Some who have already faced a breast cancer diagnosis.

This makes me so sad.

I wrote a post awhile back about "mean women" The post was mainly about how harshly our gender treats one another. I got several comments that challenged what I observe about women as a whole....but I continue to see these behaviors everywhere and Ms. Edwards situation brings it out in the open once again.
Women are brutal to one another.
Mothers are brutal to one another.
We love to support our "sisters" and to stick together. But when one of our own does something that goes against our own moral compass we judge, we berate, we criticize.

I admire Elizabeth Edwards.

I see a woman with great strength, and tenacity. A woman who, in the fight for her life, refuses to give up.
I see a mother who is setting a good example for her young children.
Her children will always know that their mother was a fighter, that she didn't let cancer stop her from pursuing her dreams, and the dreams of her husband.
I see a woman who leave behind a legacy of will and class.

It is disheartening to read critical opinions that mothers all over our country have about Elizabeth Edwards. Some believe she is in denial, or that she is selfish for continuing to compaign. Others feel she was wrong to have children at an "older" age.

I am proud of her.
She will not let cancer win.
She is a true fighter.

I hope to teach my daughter to be that courageous and dignifed. To not let illness or any obstacle get in her way of pursuing life long aspirations and to stand tall and proud of who she is and what she stands for in the world.

When death calls you into the ring, why not be a fighter?