Now as you most probably know by now,
the incredible, inspiring, courageous, brave Nelson Mandela
died yesterday aged 95.
This man was and always will be a vitally important
part of history. He was a rarity, he stood up for what he believed in,
he changed not only a nation, but the world.
He lit one single match and started a global fire.
And I think it's safe to say that they just don't make'em like
that anymore.
In a country governed by a strict, inhumane apartheid, in which
people were segregated into categories according to the colour
of their skin, Mandela rose fearlessly from the crowd
to fight against a highly prejudiced
government for change, peace, democracy.
His beliefs led to him enduring 27 years in prison,
and if that wasn't enough to rally anyone to seek revenge,
I'm not sure what will, yet this man
refused to seek revenge or to fight against his captors
as many expected.
Instead Mandela used his newly found platform and media attention
from the world press to promote his original message:
the ending of the ruthless apartheid and universal equality for all.
Of course Mandela also did so much more in his 27 years in
prison, as well as before he was jailed and
particularly in the aftermath of his release,
going on to rule South Africa at the age of 76 for five years
- a truly incredible
achievement and measure of just how far Mandela and his
fellow fighters had come.
I will never be able to list all the incredible things
this man achieved in his time on this Earth, and I know for a fact
that I will never be able to match them.
What Mandela has done is something that we should never, ever
forget. He gave us equality, he gave us peace,
he gave us an example to follow and a message to live by.
He changed this world for the better, and we will
forever be in his debt, and although his passing is tremendously
sad you can't help but feel glad that this incredible,
inspiring man is finally at peace himself.
If he was put on this Earth to right a wrong then
Mandela more than achieved that, and if there is a heaven
up there somewhere, then I'm pretty sure that
God will be welcoming him with open arms,
for there are few more deserving of a place in heaven
than Nelson Mandela.
So Nelson, I just wanted to say thank you for everything,
and that I truly truly hope you are now resting in peace.
I believe that some people are put on this world for a reason,
to make a change, a difference,
and without them I dread to think where we
would be. Nelson is one of those people.
God bless your soul.
<3
