Today a warrior was laid to rest. He lived imperfectly, as we all do. He died with dignity and honor as we all hope to.
He insisted that he was a fortunate son. As such, he fought hard for his country, charging death’s door with a broad, wounded shoulder–but it stood fast. It gave him time to prepare before it opened. Within that preparation the warrior sought to heal with inclusion even as he used exclusion as a sword.
He fought a noble, courageous fight and did not, would not, capitulate to expediency. He was better than that. Yes, better than this. He demanded better of himself.
And so should we.
God’s Mercy, John McCain.
Thank you.
All Things Thriller 
I agree. The best of him was his triumph as a P.O.W. RIP.
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Hear. Hear.
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That was beautifully written. He passed with grace and dignity.
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Thank you. He did. He will be missed.
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“The best of him was his triumph as a P.O.W. RIP.”
Same here Cindy 🙂
“He demanded better of himself.
And so should we.”
Considering McCain’s polarizing reputation among both the right and the left, it would not be surprising If McCain gets remembered as the Rodney Dangerfield of Politicians (i.e. Dangerfield’s catchphrase: “no respect”). Anyway, keep up the great work as always 🙂
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Yes. He was often disrespected. But he still stood. He didn’t demand respect, he earned it.
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His death seems to have affected your country more than the death of many presidents and celebrities. The blogs are full of tributes to him, and I am sure he was a man with considerable integrity, whose reputation crossed political boundaries. Your short and heartfelt tribute sums him up nicely, Pam
The BBC showed his memorial service in full, for most of yesterday afternoon. Without wishing to cause any offence to my American friends, I found it lacking in taste, quite frankly. It felt like a State Funeral; overblown, stage-managed sentimentality, and all far too much. I didn’t know him of course, but I doubt he would have wanted such a ‘Royal’ send-off.
Just an opinion, from a foreigner.
Best wishes, Pete.
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He did mean a lot to America. I appreciated his memorial service, but it went on too long–three days. I didn’t know him either, of course, he was Arizona, I’m Texas/Tennessee. He was a conservative Republican; I’m a conservative Democrat. I think you’re right though. I think about halfway through yesterday’s service he would have said, “Enough already. Let’s get on with it.”
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“I found it lacking in taste, quite frankly. It felt like a State Funeral; overblown, stage-managed sentimentality, and all far too much. I didn’t know him of course, but I doubt he would have wanted such a ‘Royal’ send-off.”
I completely agree with you Pete regarding McCain’s funeral. I think he would have echoed what Pam thinks McCain would be saying, which is “Enough already. Let’s get on with it.” I second that Pam 🙂
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Beautiful tribute Pam! A heroic warrior, a decent man, and a politician who knew how to work with all and accomplish what was beat for the country and not for the self serving.
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Thanks John. We need more like him–especially now.
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God’s mercy be upon us all. Well said, Pam!
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Thank you Melissa.
Yikes. I’m a little embarrassed that you read my Mandy review. Not my kind of movie, but…Well, it is what it is. I saw that your husband replied to your post. That made me think that he is doing better. I hope so.
God bless.
–Pam
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I thought you wrote an excellent review! You laid out all that was good and all that was not. Perfect!
He is doing better, thank God. Of course tomorrow is not promised to any of us, but I’m not waiting and wondering the way I was. God bless you, Pam!
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Fantastic. That makes my night. I know the relief you feel all too well. My husband had a very traumatic spell in the hospital. He fought for his life for three weeks. The Lord saw us through it. I’m not just saying that because he survived. But I am so thankful that God–and only He knows why He intervened–spared him.
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I totally understand. God can show his glory and get us through life or death, joy or sorrow. We are both living on borrowed time with our husbands. May we treasure this and use our time well, dear friend. Bless you!
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Thank you friend.
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