Heartbreaking to learn that Nelson Mandela passed today. It’s hard to express in words the influence this lion of a man has had on South Africa and the world; suffice to say that he was one of a handful of true heroes of our time.  Mandela’s humility and humanity together with his smarts and determination revolutionized his nation and set standards for political leadership that few others in our lifetime will achieve.  Our hearts are with South Africans as they mourn the loss of the founder of their post-apartheid state.  We are all a little bit poorer today for this loss, but so much richer for the many contributions Mandela made during his lifetime.   Amandla!

(photo credit)