First Lady (1927-2006)

The title of "First Lady" may officially belong to the wife of the President, but this morning's announcement of the passing of Coretta Scott King makes me feel like that title was misplaced.

Among public figures, Mrs. King's grace was unmatched. Her courage and compassion never wavered. Tragedy did not destroy her. Her heart was big enough to support having a trial for James Earl Ray after he took back his confession of killing her husband. The potential ordeal of a trial and re-living one of the most tragic incidents in our country's history, let alone in her own life, in order to remove any doubt whether justice was served in the case of Ray speaks volumes about her character (Ray's death prevented the trial from happening) .

Coretta Scott King was a living reminder of the better parts of our humanity. She lived her life as one who fought for justice for all people. She recognized the God-given diginity that we all deserve. If any single woman could best represent what our country hopes to become, Mrs. King would have been our best ambassador.

Courage, compassion, beauty, and grace. A First Lady of the highest order.