by J.R. Lewis

Created on: June 26, 2007   Last Updated: July 02, 2008

A good marriage is a strong union between two souls, a commitment to stay strong as they travel on the same path as they head to a joint goal. They stand united in good times and in bad, teardrops and laughter, and work together to achieve the fulfillment of hopes and dreams. They serve as each other's strength on nights that have no glimpse of light. These partners balance each other.

John Edwards is a politician. He dreams of becoming the President of the United States. He believes that he can make a difference, have a positive impact on society, and lead our country with common understanding because of his humble beginnings. Elisabeth Edwards is a politician's wife. She embraces his dreams, makes them her own, and knows that her husband would be a good leader. She is his rock, his solace.

If John Edwards were to decide to stop his campaign, it would be giving up. It would be as if he were saying, "I have to stop my bid. I know that both my wife and I have worked really hard to get to this point. I understand that, by stopping my campaign, I allow this illness to take our dreams and endeavors. I will sit passively by and watch my wife succumb to this disease."

It would be as if Elisabeth Edwards said, "I know that one day the cancer will win. So, I will give up on everything. Why bother living each day to the fullest? I know that my husband would be a great President, I know this is something we both really want, but our dreams are simply not worth it. I'd rather spend my time worrying about dying." This couple is strong; they would not speak these things.

This couple is a wonderful representation of partnership. They have shared tragedies. The loss of a child, cancer once before, and all the normal hardships each marriage faces. They stood strong, they were united. Instead of turning away from each other, they turned to each other, being the strength for the other when they did not know they would be able to hold on for another day. The love they share shines in their eyes. As a bystander, I can see the love when they look at each other.

Cancer may eventually take Mrs. Edwards, cancer takes so many good people, but she will go down fighting it. She will not allow her shared dreams fail because that would be giving cancer not only her body but her spirit and heart as well.

I admire this couple. So few couples in the public eye have the level of love and true partnership as this couple does. It warms my heart to watch them together. The little looks, the touches, the pride that glows on each other's faces when they speak of their mate is amazing. If ONLY everyone could have a marriage like this couple, there would be no divorce, there would be no heartbreak. They set an example that is tender and impressive.

They can't love each other any more than they already do. They can't think more of each other than they already do. They are honest and genuine, unconditional and unspoken. I can't think of a better example to show the world what the real meaning of a marriage and partnership is supposed to be.

A man would give up the dream he has worked his entire life for, happily and willingly. A woman who refuses to let him. That is love. That is real love. That is the kind of love I would like to see in office.

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