Dutiful Daughter- June 1, 2012
I think yesterday was proof John Edwards may be the luckiest SOB on the planet. I get where the jury is coming from. I mean, it’s not illegal to be philandering douchebag. I think he knew that money was going where he really needed it. He’s such a smooth talker he convinced some old lady to pay to hide his little oopsy-daisy side project. I think he made sure that money was not “campaign funds.” Come on! He’s a lawyer. He knew the law and I don’t think he broke it. Slime ball, yes. Criminal, no.
One person caught my eye the whole trial. Cate Edwards faithfully and dutifully joined her father in court every day. The same father who cheated on her cancer-stricken mother and betrayed her family.
I have such admiration for her dignity and grace. I know what it’s like to be let down by your dad. I understand the embarassment and disgust of dealing with the aftermath of his sins. It was bad enough for me. I can’t imagine having everybody in the world know about what my dad had done. Maybe she and Chelsea Clinton should start a club.
Anyway, I think it was a true sign of forgiveness and strength for Cate to stand with him. It was a wonderful example for her younger siblings who are no doubt still mourning the loss of their mother. It inspires me to continue to work on my relationship with my dad, as an example for my daughter.
Well done Cate, well done. It’s over now. I hope you now have time to focus on your marriage, and your life. Good luck. (Sorry for calling your dad a douche.)
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I love your perspective on this. Forgiveness heals the forgiver….
Thanks Beth! “Forgiveness heals the forgiver.” That’s a good one for me to remember.
I wholeheartedly agree. As someone who has also been let down by dad in the past (granted, it was nearly ten years ago, but it still feels like yesterday sometimes), I was impressed – and a little jealous – at the amount of grace she has had through it all. I also remember hearing Chelsea Clinton speak when Hillary was running for President and someone asked her about her dad’s affairs. She was incredibly dignified and protective of her family – and really pissed at the question. Forgiveness I don’t think is really possible (at least for me) in that kind of situation, but perhaps just acceptance. Having the strength to accept that which you cannot change and all…
It’s crazy how it feels like yesterday even though it was 7 years ago and both my parents are remarried. I totally get it.
Chelsea is just a class act all around.