Elizabeth Edwards died today. I feel incredibly sad for her children.

From what I have read online, she endured a lot of tragedy in her 61 years. She lost her son Wade in an automobile accident as a teenager. Her husband John had an affair and a daughter with another woman, ultimately ending their marriage. And in the end, Elizabeth died of metastasized breast cancer.

The following is an excerpt from what she apparently posted on Facebook shortly before she died:

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… 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.

I am curious about this statement. I, too, wholeheartedly believe in the importance of having a positive impact on the world. It does make days more meaningful and precious. I’m talking about the “faith in hope” aspect…is that really enough for some people? It leaves me feeling empty.

What do you think?