I've written twice now about people who inspire us in those last few precious moments they have left before sickness takes them from this world.  It absolutely can not only define who a person truly is, their last life choices, acts, and words, but it can also define an entire generation who follows as I'm sure Randy Pausch has already ensured.

But the challenge now for me is to be inspired by someone who faces this life everyday, faces adversity, faces joy, faces all the myriad highs and lows with the same undeterred enthusiasm and grace.  I know during some of my most traumatic experiences, I've felt like an arm-flailing banshee--at best--and I generally lack any modicum of poise, grace, or serenity.

Certainly grieving and/or healing is a process that is unique to every living creature out there, and I'd like to be able to accept it in all its forms.  I'd also like to find someone who elegantly can wrap
his/her arms around the whole process and who just embraces all the pain, uncertainty, and despair simply because he/she knows that in time, life will spring forth in its color again.  Does this person
exist? Am I chasing yet again a fictional character like my most beloved Mr. Darcy?  Do you know this person?

I'd love to hear from you about people you know who inspire you with their winning attitudes when faced by any and all obstacles.  Let's see how many living examples of inspiration we can come up with -- both to emulate and to honor. :)