NUMBER OF BREATHS WE GIVE OUT: A REFLECTION ON MANDELA LIFE

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." Maya Angelou

I remember 4 years ago I visited Robin Island in Capetown where Mandela spent 27 years of jail life as a prisoner. I saw the little room he slept; I saw the metal cup and plate he used; I saw the blanket he used; I saw the 1-inch mattress he used. The narratee told us that Mandela endured hard work in the quarry without complaining. Even when he was asked to be given special favors--he refused by saying that he was no better than other prisoners. This is the person who refused to give up in the course of justice. He was misunderstood; he was seen as a heretic; he was seen as an insurgent and you name all of them! But all of us today are cerebrating a life well lived. Mandela chose a life of sacrifice; a life of forgiveness; a life of encouraging non-violence even to bitterest enemies. My life was changed a long time ago after I visited his jail. People have began calling me names, but I will never give up in the course of justice. RIP Mandela!