RIP Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela

[babydee1]

Nelson Mandela passed away peacefully in his home in Johannesburg at 8.50pm on 5th December 2013.  He was 95 years old.

He endured prejudice and hardship that would have broken a lesser man, but he suffered the injustice, fought for freedom with dignity, and emerged victorious.

He broke racial barriers and unified a bitterly divided nation, and became an international icon for peace, hope and tolerance.  A hero by any and every definition, he did more for this world than any political leader I can think of.

Gone, but forever to be remembered.

Rest in peace, Madiba. xx

Comments

[bkwurm1.livejournal.com]

Aww. :( I hadn't heard. I'd thought he'd been doing better lately.

Thanks for your clear and insightful post.

[babydee1.livejournal.com]

He'd been poorly ever since he came out of hospital in September, pretty much on round-the-clock medical care at home.

It's painful to lose him, but I'm glad he's at peace. He did more than his fair share for this world; he's earned a good rest.

*hugs*

[babydee1.livejournal.com]

PS: I never knew until today that Nelson wasn't his birth name. Apparently, on his first day of school, the teacher gave all the children English names, and when she got to him, she just said, "You...you're Nelson." Huh. Who knew? :-)

[bkwurm1.livejournal.com]

Not me. How very odd. I know they did something similar in the US to immigrating families early in the twentieth century, dropping parts of last names or remaking them to sound more American.

To rename a child disregards any dignity they arrived with.

[eternal-moonie.livejournal.com]

*BIG HUGS* and condolances

[babydee1.livejournal.com]

Thanks, hun. *hugs back*

[firebunny.livejournal.com]

He was a remarkable man.

[babydee1.livejournal.com]

Indeed he was. He'll be greatly missed.

[phoenixnz.livejournal.com]

Nelson Mandela was more than just an icon in my book. He taught us not only about forgiveness but what people could endure, and he endured more than most. He could have just disappeared when he was let out of prison but he continued to fight for equality in South Africa. A great example and a great loss to us all. May his legacy continue to be an example for generations to come.

A man with grace and dignity to the very end.

[simi24.livejournal.com]

A truly remarkable man. He will be missed.

[grlmonday.livejournal.com]

He was a great leader and I'm sorry to see he's gone :( Still, he led a great and full life.

[apeygirl.livejournal.com]

I was sorry to hear it. Such an extraordinary man.