The Long Road

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inClanmotherTags:

Happy Birthday, Nelson Mandela

Pure Sunshine 

“I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended.” 

 Nelson Mandela

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

102 thoughts on “The Long Road”

  1. Immortal words from one of the few living icons !
    The world will be much poorer without such great men !

    Thank you for sharing !

    utham

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    1. He is a gift to our world. May we follow in his footsteps and remember to uphold his spirit of peace and unity. Thank you so much for you comments and your presence!

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      1. The news says that he’s improving, I am hoping that they are telling the truth. It would be awful if they are keeping him ‘alive’ for political reasons.

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      2. One of my favourite quotes comes from Rabindranath Tagore:

        “Death is not extinguishing the light; it is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come.”

        We have been blessed to have Nelson Mandela in our generation. I know his words will be remembered by generations yet to come! 🙂

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  7. A great tribute! Happy Birthday, gratulerer med dagen, herzlichen Glückwunsch!! Thanks, dear Clanmother.
    *hug* from Norway
    Dina

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    1. You always make me smile! I always think that SA is far, far away from Vancouver, Canada – but bloggers miles are shorter and the messages received within seconds. Thank you for celebrating with me! 🙂

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    1. I agree – his words will live into the future. We are blessed that he came in our timeline! Your comments and presence are very much appreciated!!! 🙂

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    1. You are so, so, so right. You just reminded me of my favourite quote by Albert Einstein: “Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.”

      One thing that I have learned from blogging – that I am surrounded by other bloggers who care deeply and passionately about our world and global community. I’m so glad that we connected!

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  12. What a great man!
    Dear Rebecca, thank you very much for celebrating his birthday here.
    With a big HUG from a much too hot Norfolk
    Klausbernd, who is busy harvesting his all his lavender

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    1. Dear Klausbernd! Thank you for celebrating with me! I can smell the lavender across the cables – sweet and fragrant. You always make my day sunshine! Hugs from too hot Vancouver!!! Heading out for a iced coffee!!

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  14. i agree with the happy birthday salute, but no one mentioned the lovely callas and sunflower images. wow, wow, and WOW they are stunning!
    i worked on a calla lily painting this morning and have a sunflower (and heliconia in progres)

    both of yours are beautiful!!!!

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    1. Your comments always bring encouragement. What I love about flowers is that they always make me feel that I can do anything! Reminds me of a Nelson Mandela quote:“Lead from the back — and let others believe they are in front.” Flowers quietly lead from behind, their fragrance a song of joy! Thank you for celebrating with me, my dear friend!!! 🙂

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    1. I agree wholeheartedly. I feel like climbing the next hill. Thank you for your visit! 🙂

      “There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
      ― Nelson Mandela

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  17. I still remember the day he was released from Jail. I was a kid of five years old and the teachers at my school distributed sweets. Many vehicles had Mandela’s picture on their windshields and I remember asking my father who this man was. He very patiently explained to me who Mandela was. Ever since, I have thought of him as one of the few people on the planet which makes it worth living.
    Truly, It is great to be living at the same time that Mandela walked on earth.

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    1. You speak the profound truth – “it is great to be living at the same time that Mandela walked on earth.” What a wonderful experience to have your father tell you about Nelson Mandela – a memory that will stay with you all of your life.

      “The greatest glory in living
      lies not in never falling,
      but in rising every time we fall.”
      ― Nelson Mandela

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    1. I agree!! Although it is quite different, for some reason this quote reminds me of Teddy Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena” speech. 🙂

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    1. You are too kind! Thank you for making my day!!! That is my photograph that I modified using Coral Paint Shop. Your presence and comments are always welcome and appreciated!! 🙂

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  23. Hi Becky! 🙂 Your sentence says it all:”He is a gift to our world.” He’s a living legend… our present world needs more Mr Mandela…
    – – –
    My very best and have a pleasant summer! Cheers, Mélanie

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  24. Thank you for this, wonderful!! “We walk among giants. When they touch our lives, we become giants, too!!” -SO true! Inspirational post, indeed. Thank you, myriad cheers!!!

    Autumn Jade

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  25. Great to see that he has celebrated another year. His legacy is immense and his long walk to freedom gives hope to millions. Thank you for this Rebecca, it’s a gentle and important reminder of his courageous spirit.

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    1. I remember reading “Young Mandela: The Revolutionary Years” by David James Smith. It was about Nelson Mandela’s life before he was imprisoned. We think of him as more of a grandfatherly figure. This was when he was young, bold, and at the beginning of it all. It gave me a fresh understanding of what is meant by a “long road to freedom.” May we continue to walk that road, with the courage and determination of those before us.

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  26. One his many wonderful quotable quotes, Rebecca. I’m just so sad that he wasn’t well enough to enjoy his birthday this year. We still wait for news here.

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    1. I have been thinking of you on the other side of the world. Nelson Mandela’s legacy will live long into the future….I am glad that I lived during his time.

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      1. Enjoy the sunshine!

        We’re in a warm spell but had a few thunder storms and torrential downpours overnight. Hoping it clears the muggy air a bit. 🙂

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      2. Thank you – Vancouver is considered a rain forest. I remember one May it rained every day, but the rain brings a freshness and makes everything green! I hope your downpour clears the muggy air! Have a great week!

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  29. Thanks for stopping by my blog. I read your ‘about page’, which resonates with me. I look forward to following your journey.

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    1. And I look forward to our adventures ahead – we may be in different parts of the world, but I know that we are on the same path. All the very, very best! Your visit and comments are very much appreciated. 🙂

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  30. Wonderful words from the great Nelson Mandela. His message will live on long after he has left this earth. We can all learn so much from him. Thank you, dear Rebecca. PS Love that photo too. PPS: My WordPress seems to be working again, so I will be catching up over the next few days ♥

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    1. How wonderful to have you back!!! You have been missed! I have already been over to your remarkable blog today – your photos are truly spectacular and your thoughts are profoundly needed in our world. Thank you! ❤

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      2. My absolute pleasure – I will be away on an adventure for the next three weeks! I will be in and out of WIFI, but I will still be following you….!

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  32. Ah, I just realized it. Happy Birth Day my dear best friend. May God gives you health, happiness and prosperity in the years to come. Thank you for sharing the quote. I just love what Mandela said:”But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb”. I am so sorry for not visiting your blog recently since: (1) I didn’t blog during last fasting month, (2) I have limited time right now, making an arrangement of my nephew’s wedding reception next week, I post few things on mine to eliminate the emptiness of my blog activity. I will return as soon as possible. Good luck !

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    1. Thank you so much, my friend! Sorry I haven’t responded sooner – I have been out of WIFI for a few days. Your encouragement is much appreciated. 🙂

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  36. Ein wunderbares Gedenken an den Geburtstag von Nelson Mandela. Vielen Dank Rebecca für deine liebevolle Aufmerksamkeit und den Respekt, den Du Nelson mit diesem Beitrag entgegen bringst. Just great. Ernst

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    1. Vielen Dank für Ihre durchdachte Kommentare! Nelson Mandela hat uns ein großes Erbe. Wir leben eine endliche Existenz, aber was tun wir in unserem Zeitplan trägt auf. Ihre Kommentare und vists sind so sehr geschätzt.

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    1. I have missed you so much too!!!! On my way home tomorrow night! The best part of adventures is knowing there is home waiting for us! Hugs and more hugs!!!

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