 |
Paul Sancya/AP/File - Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden, who died Saturday, introduces his father, Vice President Joe Biden, at the Democratic National Convention in Denver in 2008.
|
Read on for why this man was so exceptional and how you can benefit from his example.
From Denny: Beau Biden, a rare person in politics, government or anywhere: he was known as a person of exceptionally good character. Many of us are saddened at his passing as much as his family. When we lose a person of such goodness and moral strength who spent his life in service to his country and his family we are all reminded of his example for all of us to do better.
One of those rare politicians given generous authentic praise from both sides of the aisle:
“I never heard a disparaging word about him as a person,” wrote former Rep. Mike Castle (R) of Delaware, who was widely expected to face off against Biden in the 2010 Senate race before Biden opted not to run.
“Beau served his country and the citizens of Delaware with honor and dignity,” wrote Charlie Copeland, chairman of the Delaware Republican Party. “He leaves behind a lasting impact on the world around him.”
"Beau had a warm and generous spirit,” writes Rep. John Carney (D) of Delaware. “He was a truly giving person, and he appreciated the good in others in the way we all should. He leaves a legacy of service, and also a great personal legacy that calls on each of us to be more gentle in our judgments and more gracious with our thanks. He was one of the best of the good guys."
Joseph Robinette Biden III (known as "Beau")
"It is with broken hearts that Hallie, Hunter, Ashley, Jill and I announce the passing of our husband, brother and son, Beau, after he battled brain cancer with the same integrity, courage and strength he demonstrated every day of his life.
"The entire Biden family is saddened beyond words. We know that Beau's spirit will live on in all of us--especially through his brave wife, Hallie, and two remarkable children, Natalie and Hunter.
"Beau's life was defined by service to others. As a young lawyer, he worked to establish the rule of law in war-torn Kosovo. A major in the Delaware National Guard, he was an Iraq War veteran and was awarded the Bronze Star. As Delaware's Attorney General, he fought for the powerless and made it his mission to protect children from abuse.
"More than his professional accomplishments, Beau measured himself as a husband, father, son and brother. His absolute honor made him a role model for our family. Beau embodied my father's saying that a parent knows success when his child turns out better than he did.
"In the words of the Biden family: Beau Biden was, quite simply, the finest man any of us have ever known."
What I enjoyed most about observing Beau was his sincere and authentic ability to behold others as from the teaching of Jesus Christ. Beholding other people is something society no longer takes the time to express, reaching deep and touching others. Beau would meet another's gaze, look directly into their eyes, deeply listen, and then engage. That is a true people skill rarely seen in politics and government: people who honestly care about other people.
Too much of politics and government these days is based off of marketing deception and outright lies. Not Beau Biden as it just wasn't his style. All those who met him found him impressive, enrobed in his authentic self, totally comfortable. He was immensely popular with the Delaware voters because of his good character and hard work ethic.
Beau Biden was a leader on so many levels. He loved family and lived his appreciation. He sought to protect America's children and prosecuted those who thought they could cavalierly exploit and abuse children. Beau definitely gave politics a good name, a rare politician in decades to take it seriously, being of real service to his country.
Think about honoring the life of Beau Biden. Perhaps you can pay it forward: Take the time to truly behold someone in your life every day: at work, at home, a stranger at the store. Beau would like that and smile.
Thank you for your service, Beau Biden. Thank you for your shining example of how goodness can be an awesome life enjoyed, happily lived and well remembered for eternity.
Elegant calligraphy bird scrolls a show case for your finest occasions: wedding, anniversary, graduation, birthday and more
