MR

Prayers for this exceptional human being

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgQBoXsxr8w

Mandela put on life support

By CHRISTOPHER TORCHIA
From AP

CNN reported yesterday that Mandela had been put on life support.

A tide of emotional tributes has built on social media and in hand-written messages and flowers laid outside the hospital and Mandela’s home. Yesterday, about 20 children from a day-care center posted a hand-made card outside the hospital and recited a poem.

“Hold on, old man,” was one of the lines in the Zulu poem, according to the South African Press Association.

In recent days, international leaders, celebrities, athletes and others have praised Mandela, not just as the man who steered South Africa through its tense transition from white racist rule to democracy two decades ago, but as a universal symbol of sacrifice and reconciliation.

In South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, where Mandela grew up, a traditional leader said the time was near for Mandela, who is also known by his clan name, Madiba.

“I am of the view that if Madiba is no longer enjoying life, and is on life-support systems, and is not appreciating what is happening around him, I think the good lord should take the decision to put him out of his suffering,” said the tribal chief, Phathekile Holomisa.

Mandela’s 95th birthday will be July 18.

As Nelson Mandela lingers in a hospital, yet another remarkable moment is helping to seal his legacy: Millions of people around the world, united by respect and gratitude, are preparing for this beloved man to die.

There is no one in the world like Mandela — a victim who both governed and forgave his tormentors, a figure so universally admired that his countless honors include both America’s Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Soviet Union’s Order of Lenin.

The intense interest in Mandela’s decline is due to his resonance around the world.

People feel as if they know Mandela.

He was not secretive. When he experienced joy he smiled, he danced, he hugged, he embraced. He put himself and his emotions out in public. We also saw his struggles.

He is one of the truly great people of the last 100 years. We are aware that greatness is going to be gone.

In a historic move by the UK government, Britain has asked to hold a memorial service for former president Nelson Mandela at Westminster Abby when the time comes - the first for an African and non-British citizen.

The queen has also requested to attend such a memorial service should South Africa agree.