Jack Layton's Last Letter to Canadians

Jack Layton, leader of the NDP party and leader of the opposition, lost his battle with cancer early this morning, after taking a leave of absence from politics a mere few weeks ago, on July 25th. He was 61.

I can't say I have much use for politicians in general, but I think that insofar as is possible for any elected official, he had integrity, always fighting for the underdog, never losing hope and optimism.

On Saturday he wrote a two-page letter to Canadians, which can be found in its entirely here:


It's of no interest to anyone non-Canadian, of course, but there are a few brief paragraphs I'd like to share, because they speak to the struggle with cancer, to living life with hope, to never giving up.

******
August 20, 2011

Toronto, Ontario

Dear Friends,

Tens of thousands of Canadians have written to me in recent weeks to wish me well. I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughtful, inspiring and often beautiful notes, cards and gifts. Your spirit and love have lit up my home, my spirit, and my determination.
*
To other Canadians who are on journeys to defeat cancer and to live their lives, I say this: please don’t be discouraged that my own journey hasn’t gone as well as I had hoped. You must not lose your own hope. Treatments and therapies have never been better in the face of this disease. You have every reason to be optimistic, determined, and focused on the future. My only other advice is to cherish every moment with those you love at every stage of your journey, as I have done this summer.
*
And finally, to all Canadians: Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world’s environment. We can restore our good name in the world....and consider that we can be a better, fairer, more equal country by working together. Don’t let them tell you it can’t be done.
 
My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.

All my very best,

Jack Layton
******
I don't think there would be such an outpouring of honour and respect for our current prime minister, or any other politician for that matter.

And even though I find politics both frustrating and boring, Canada has lost someone with tremendous energy and commitment and tenacity.

Godspeed, Jack.

Photo from http://iggyann.com/tag/jack-layton/

Comments

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said…
I read his letter earlier this morning. It was a very well intentioned letter and I especially liked his final thoughts in it.

xoxox
August 22, 2011 at 6:45 PM
Old Kitty said…
Oh the letter is so sad. I am so so so sorry for the loss of a good Canadian son and leader. I think his last words are just poignant and powerful and full of wise and thoughtful words. It's a letter all Canadians should be proud of and all those affected by the evil C will take hope from.

Take care
x
August 23, 2011 at 4:19 AM
Anonymous said…
Great post! He was a good man, and the only politician I believe who had any integrity. I agree, politics is frustrating, and boring, but for Canadians, Jack's passing is a huge loss.
August 23, 2011 at 9:59 AM
Pia K said…
what a sad and beautiful letter, yes it made me cry. if only people could be kinder and more caring in general, and work together for a better future. for all beings.
August 23, 2011 at 5:14 PM
Janet NZ said…
He sounds like a very nice person. And so do you. XO
August 23, 2011 at 5:15 PM
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