In Memorium

I can't start this day, or end it, without remembering two people who had a powerful effect on so many of us.

Elizabeth Edwards died yesterday. She was a tireless advocate not only for cancer-related causes, but for universal health care. She called it as she saw it -- and she saw the potential for goodness in America, the need for compassion for those less fortunate. She appealed to this greater good in us and made us better for it. This collection of tributes speaks to her impact.

John Lennon died 30 years ago. I was living on Long Island at the time, and going to Queens College. I remember crying and crying, and one of my professors saying he didn't understand what all the tears were for. After all, he was just a rock star. No. He was not "just" a rock star, although he certainly was one of the most important singer/songwriters of our generation. But more importantly, he had a clear-eyed vision of what it would take for this world to be a better place for all of us: Peace and Love. So simple. So impossible.

Imagine. A world in which people whose sole mission is to stop war and poverty and hunger and sickness are revered above all else. Both of these beloved souls showed us how. All we have to do is follow. Jennifer