When I saw that Elizabeth Edwards was doing an interview with Oprah Winfrey to promote her new book, I must admit that I rolled my eyes and assumed that she would skirt the truth and use clever semantics to divert attention away from her philandering husband and focus solely on selling her book. For once, happily, my skepticism met a worthy opponent. I watched and listened in stunned silence as she spoke the raw and emotionally difficult truth.

This courageous woman has faced the three most difficult trials any woman can face: the death of a child, a cheating spouse, and terminal illness.

Not since Winston faced interrogation at the hands of O’Brien in George Orwell’s “1984” have I heard anyone, much less a politician’s spouse, be more candid.

With refreshing frankness, she answered every question sincerely and honestly. She was strong, intelligent, classy, and humble.

I was most impressed that her only request concerning the interview was that the mistress not be mentioned by name. She did not resort to redneck name-calling or any other Jerry Springer type antics. She merely stated that she does not know anyone in her life like the “other woman.”

She also defended all married woman when she suggested that other women should create their own life rather than intruding on a life built by the hard work of another.

She has faced much criticism for staying with her unfaithful husband, but I fully understand why.

She does not want to spend the time she has left with her children in a state of anger and upheaval.

She is trying to do what is right for them, but she has not just turned the other cheek either.

She is promoting her book and admitting that she cannot completely trust her husband. However, she will spend the time she has left focused on the positive things in life.

We can all learn from this as most of us face far less daunting challenges than she. I appreciate her wisdom and class and wish her and her children a special and joyful time together.