Despite all the ghastliness that is around, human beings are made for goodness. The ones who ought to be held in high regard are not the ones who are militarily powerful, nor even economically prosperous. They are the ones who have a commitment to try and make the world a better place. We – The Elders – will endeavour to support those people and do our best for humanity. - Desmond Tutu

Out of deep concern for the challenges currently facing all of the people of our world, Nelson Mandela, Graça Machel and Desmond Tutu have convened a group of leaders to contribute their wisdom, independent leadership and integrity to tackling some of the world’s toughest problems.

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November 2007, was as busy as most Novembers are for our family with several wedding anniversaries including my Aunt Shirley & Uncle Carl’s 60th. Our oldest son’s 37th birthday, our youngest daughter’s boyfriends’ 25th… Our newest granddaughter’s baptism and Thanksgiving for 35 at my brother’s beautiful home….. minus my folks, unfortunately.

My dad has been very ill the last 6-8 weeks. Four trips to the hospital this month plus many, many tests have finally confirmed our worst fear…. cancer. Prognosis is poor. The next few months will be very hard. Our family is strong and supportive of each other so we will survive as a whole and have an opportunity to learn much about ourselves as we face this newest challenge. My parents are incredible people who have spent a lifetime giving of themselves…. it’s time they both reap what they’ve sown as we all encircle them and continue to count our blessing.