One thing we can all take heart in from this terrible personal familytragedy is that this nation is not a "culture of death" as some commentators have claimed. Think about it for a moment. The fate of but one of our 295 million American citizens captured the attention of the entire nation. Her situation involved the Florida legislature, the Florida Governor, the U.S. Congress, the President and over forty federal and state judges - all because we cared for this one individual and her precious, but injured life. That's remarkable.

While I cannot abide the media circus, gossip, rumor and innuendo spread to misinform us by those with less than noble motives, the vast majority of us shared our beliefs true to our hearts. There 's nothing wrong with being passionate about an issue, no matter what side you land, so long as its forthright and honest. Those who sang and prayed to restore Terri's feeding tube are as noble as those who sang and prayed that she be allowed her wishes. Both are motivated by a love for the sanctity of life and value of freedom.

If we learn anything from this, its that there is much to be grateful for and there is much to respect and value among us all.