I was saddened yesterday to hear about Elizabeth Edwards untimely death from cancer. Her life, her family, her career, had its share of ups and down just like most of us, but I’ve been struck by how she’s being remembered.

Here’s a one-line obituary from the front page of the Wall Street Journal today:

Died: Elizabeth Edwards, 61, adviser to her husband who won sympathy during a battle with cancer and family travails.

I wonder if Edwards would have appreciated this summation of her life. It’s the type of description that could fit any number of individuals who sacrifice their own dreams for power-hungry spouses.

Edwards made career, family and health sacrifices for her husband. I think sitting back and looking at what she went through in her life and others like her is a good thing for many of us to do as we rush through life.

I know it made me think about what I want my one-line obit to say. (more…)