It is now July 18 in South Africa.
Which means that Nelson Mandela, born this day in 1918, is now 95.
I am grateful that he has lived until another birthday.
I can only hope he is aware of the occasion.
It is not just South Africa which should be grateful for his time on earth, but all of the civilized world for the example he presented of graciousness, lack of vindictiveness, willingness to reach out and to help heal - first his own nation, and then the world.
He has blessed us all.
May his passing, when it comes, be peaceful.
Peace be unto him.