+++ ELIZABETH EDWARDS SUPPORT THREAD +++

[derby378]

Hi, Elizabeth:

I know you sometimes read DU. Occasionally, you've even posted here.

Now that John has publicly admitted to his 2006 affair, I just wanted you to know that there is at least one DUer who's got your back.

I'm glad that he told you about the affair long before the sniffing dogs started digging through the trash. I know it must have hurt for you to hear him admit what he did, but it speaks volumes that you stayed with him and still call him your husband.

I almost lost my wife to a catastrophic illness five years ago. She went through surgery, numerous procedures, extensive hospital stays, at-home care, the works. And I was there with her as much as humanly possible, changing her IV bag, bringing her gifts, giving her all the emotional support I could.

The ordeal took a toll on me as it did on her, although mine was more psychological. But regardless of everything, I never sought escape from my wife's agony in the arms of another woman. I remained - and still remain - faithful to the most wonderful woman in the world.

I would literally take a bullet for her.

I say all this because perhaps John and I experienced similar bouts of anxiety, depression, and uncertainty as we cared for our respective spouses, so perhaps I have some frame of reference against which I can contrast John's admission. What he did was still wrong, and I'm sure it hurt you, but you took him back. Your forgiveness speaks volumes. And John's repentance puts him in a league that is morally superior to that of some politicians I could name who divorced their ailing spouses to seek "trophy wives."

To sum it all up, Elizabeth, I'm keeping you and your family in my heart. And the same goes for John. May the two of you find peace and refuge with each other in these trying times.

derby

[Hope And Change]

1. We love you Elizabeth.

:grouphug:

[tbyg52]

2. Very best hopes and wishes to you. nt

[lamp_shade]

3. There's a "we love you" thread in GD

[derby378]

5. Thanks - I just found it, too

:hi:

[Frances]

4. Elizabeth, I am thinking of you too

I know how much this hurts, especially since your lives are so public, but I want you to know that I admired you before this news and I admire you even more now.

By the way, you now belong to a club many, many wives are in.

[ronnykmarshall]

6. Elizabeth ----

I know that you've dealt with this in private, but I'm sure this coming out in public must hurt all over again.

I wish we could send you another bunch of flowers to make you feel better.

But just know that we are all thinking about you and send out cyber hugs.

We all love you very much.

[Faygo Kid]

7. I kind of wish we would just let them have their privacy.

I don't think this kind of thing helps. Sorry.

[monmouth]

10. Very sophmore in high school to me.. Geez....nt

[derby378]

12. Blame the tabloid reporters who wouldn't leave this story alone

A dirty trick from the GOP to district people from Obama? I wouldn't put it past Karl Rove and his ilk - Rove drove one guy to commit suicide for leaking the story that Bush the Lesser used cocaine.

[Faygo Kid]

19. I doubt it. This story only magnifies McCain's misdeeds.

I put nothing past Rove, including murder.

But this one doesn't fit his pattern. By the way, I'm not criticizing you for posting this. I just think that if I were in Elizabeth's shoes today, blogger sympathy wouldn't really help.

Bless you and your wife, though.

[derby378]

22. It's cool - I understand

And thank you for the kind thoughts.

Good point about McCain, too. :hi:

[Raine]

8. Love you Elizabeth...

I'm so sorry for your pain. :hug:

[FrenchieCat]

9. Stay as strong as you always have been.

Courage is a virtue, and you have a whole lot of that.

[avaistheone1]

11. Derby, you are a great man.

I think John Edwards is a great man too. He fell to temptation, and you did not.

However, both you and John did not abandon your wives who needed you. And that speaks volumes to the positive about your characters.

[derby378]

13. You are kind to say that, but my wife will always be my "better half"

:hug: :hi:

[avaistheone1]

16. You are the best.

It sounds like you and your wife are very lucky to have each other.

[mnhtnbb]

14. Elizabeth--

I live in Chapel Hill and always keep my eyes open hoping to run into you. You are a very remarkable woman.

This must be very painful to have to live through this betrayal all over again--in public.
My heart goes out to you.

Hugs,

:hug:

[Ilsa]

15. Ditto the jist of the OP. Ya'll hang in there. Hugs. nt

[shayes51]

17. Sending every good thought to Elizabeth Edwards.

[AspenRose]

18. That's very sweet.

:hug:

[spooky3]

20. Best wishes to Elizabeth; you remain in our hearts.

[DangerousRhythm]

21. I echo the sentiments of those who have posted here...

Elizabeth Edwards is one classy, strong woman. We've all got your back here. :hug:

[MasonJar]

23. Elizabeth, you are one of the people I most admire.

[greguganus]

24. Kick his ass, 'Lizbeth! n/t

[ccharles000]

25. She rocks.