The Transition of a King: my letter to Nelson Mandela

Dear Mr. Mandela,

You are Strong. Resilient. Smart. Courageous.

These are just a FEW things that you were to me. To hear of your passing saddens my heart dearly. 😔 but I am more than glad I was able to embrace and learn of your country and your people and I could see WHY you wanted do fight so hard for them. Your genuine heart and incessant strategic fight is what made South Africa do a 180. And I know they are blessed and thankful to have had you when they did.

Before my trip to South Africa, I can be honest enough and say I didn't know too much about you other than that you were the former President of South Africa and that you implemented change during apartheid. Now to some, they might that think that what I knew was more than enough, but not to me. I needed to get inside your head, inside your heart, learn your likes/dislikes, how you were growing up, what your love-life was like, how were you treated in society, how you dealt with politics, good criticism/bad criticism, your parenting and everything under the sun because I knew in my heart that you were far more than a man of political stature.

Once I learned all that you had to endure will imprisoned with losing a child, facing health problems, having your tear ducts being burnt out from the sun while working in the lime quarry and learning that you would never cry again,the fact that you gave statement after statement as things became worse and worse on the outside you still remained strong for your people's sake.....i became enamored and felt a kind of connection...although I'd never even met you...THOSE were the things that mattered to me! To know that you were a human BEING! 

But all of this was not in vain Mr. Mandela. Your reverence proved formidable and feasible. You came back as president and the rest is history for South Africa. Your "critics" may claim otherwise but they probably know nothing about you or what have accomplished or endured anyway. I'm no expert but I know a hero and a king when I see one. South Africa, the U.S. and this WORLD thanks you with it's highest gratitude. May you rest peacefully on. R.I.P. Madiba.🙏

Sincerely,

Shaun Johnson

Power.