An NPR piece on Jimmy Carter closed with...

[Grammy23]

27. Like others posting here, I say with pride that my first and second time to vote

were for Jimmy Carter. My first big electoral disappointment was when he was not re-elected and we had 8 years of Ronald Reagan to endure. Since leaving the Presidency in 1981, Mr. Carter, with his wife by his side, has given all of us a living example of how to make a difference in the world. He could have gone back to Plains, gone on speaking tours and written books and had a good life. Instead, he did all of those things and many more. His involvement in Habitat for Humanity helped bring that organization to our attention and encouraged many volunteers and donors to support it with time, labor, supplies and dollars. The development of The Carter Center is a shining example of how one couple's dream (he readily credits Roselyn for her role in their projects) can become reality. Never content to be just figureheads, the Carters have always been hands-on leaders who demonstrated their commitment with their time and presence at their projects. The legacy that they built will last long after the founders are gone.

Now Mr. Carter is showing us how one CAN deal with the development of a potentially fatal illness. Ever the pragmatist, he is demonstrating the same attitude about this situation that he has used in other areas of his life. Calm, centered and armed with his faith and a plan to treat the cancer, he is prepared for whatever comes. No self pity, no whining or statements about why me? Just a determined outlook to live whatever time remains to him with grace, dignity and purpose. We can all learn from that.