I should, perhaps, have written this yesterday, but what can you say when such a great man leaves us? As he did with many of us, Nelson Mandella inspired me: I took strength from his story. If disabled people are oppressed – and I believe they are, although not as overtly and to the same degree as black people were in south africa – then mandella shows us the way forward. I may rant on my blog sometimes, writing bileful poems, but I know that ultimately hatred leads only to more hatred; forgiveness and peace are the only solution. We have people like Nelson Mandella to thank for such lessons, which is why he will be so greatly missed by the world. Rest in peace, Mr. Mandella.