Madiba

He was in three prisons. Over 27 years, most of his days were spent in what could only be referred to as misery. But during many of those long days few paid much heed, apart from those whose tireless efforts would find his release at last.

It was during his captivity on Robben Island that I became aware of Nelson Mandela. Over the years we watched with interest the international debates, the demands, and then the negotiations for his release. For many years we anticipated that at any moment he would surely be freed. When he finally left prison in 1990, we were watching as Mr. Mandela held his wife's hand for the first time in nearly 30 years. When a co-prisoner stated his utter disbelief that it had taken so long to affect a release, Mandela responded that the end of Apartheid had been 'worth any lost years'.

                Madiba
      (Nelson Mandela's clan name)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/festivalkarsh/3040576603/

The accolades have been pouring in for the last several days, and I can hardly improve upon them. I can say that I remember, that I watched, and was steadily interested in the dramatic life which ended on December 5, 2013. To step from deepest prison to presidency in so short a time was only a part of this complex life. And surely it was no insignificant part.

Mandela did not run for a second term, which alone speaks volumes about the man. He had led the way; he had done what he could in that office. And then he let others journey from there. The bringing together of those from disparate backgrounds, or races, or opinions was the example he hoped his followers would continue to live by.



                    
                                                      We who love freedom can do no less.

photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/festivalkarsh/3040576603/">Festival Karsh Ottawa</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/">cc</a>