Elizabeth Edwards, How She Inspired a Nation (Slideshow Link)

Elizabeth Edwards lost her six-year long battle with breast cancer on Tuesday, December 7 at 10:15 a.m. Not only does she leave behind three children, her death also means that the world has lost someone extremely special. Elizabeth Edwards' life was one filled with both happiness and unspeakable sorrow.

It was through her tribulations, however, that a remarkably strong, persevering, and tenacious woman was created. Elizabeth Edwards' fortitude helped her through the death of a child, the infidelity of her husband, and a six-year incurable disease.

See link to NY Time's Slideshow of Elizabeth Edwards here.

Mary Elizabeth Anania married John Edwards, who announced that he was running for president in late December, 2006. Elizabeth had already been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, and then after her husband's announcement, the cancer returned in 2007.

One year later, the John Edwards/Rielle Hunter affair which resulted in the birth of a daughter became public. Instead of retreating, however, Elizabeth wrote 'Resilience' and talked about the tough times she was going through and had already faced.

In January, 2010, John Edwards admitted that he had fathered a child with Hunter and it was then that the Edwards separated.

After enduring adversity that would overwhelm most, Elizabeth Edwards continued to fight for her life and what motivated her will probably remain a secret. Elizabeth's first true tragedy was not her cancer diagnosis in 2004, but rather, the death of her and John's son, Wade who was killed in a car accident at age 16.

Edwards, 61, was many things to many people, but most of all she cherished her role as a mother which she said always came first. She leaves behind Cate, 28, Emma Claire, 12 and Jack, age 10.

On Monday, just one day prior to her death, Edwards took to her Facebook page and wrote a very inspiring message:

"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," wrote Elizabeth. "These graces have carried me through difficult times and they have brought more joy to the good times than I ever could have imagined."

"...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 and precious. And for that I am grateful. It isn't possible to put into words the love and gratitude I feel to everyone who has and continues to support and inspire me every day. To you I simply say: you know."

Having survived a life filled with both joy and unspeakable sorrow, Elizabeth Edwards serves as an inspiration to all of us, not just in America but the entire world. Despite having lost a child, lost a husband due to his infidelity, and then finally, her life to cancer, Elizabeth Edwards never wavered in her cheerful, gracious, and strong courage.

Sources: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20024768-503544.html, http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/elizabeth-edwards-dies-age-61-battling-breast-cancer/story?id=12319133, http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2010/12/07/us/20101208_EDWARDS.html