Former president of South Africa from 1994-1999 Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela at age 94 has had his third run in with death, but now is home. Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison during his fight to end apartheid in South Africa. After his release, he was elected as the country’s first black president from 1994 to 1999. Families throughout South Africa prayed for Mandela’s recovery as they attended church services Sunday. Mandela’s wife, Graca Machel, was by her husband’s side as family members visited the hospital. The Mandela family has not released an official statement, but his daughter Zindzi told The Guardian Newspaper, “I’ve seen my father and he’s well. He’s a fighter.” Zuma’s office announced Saturday that Mandela’s condition had deteriorated, and he was taken to the hospital in the morning. It’s the fourth time the Nobel Peace Prize winner has been hospitalized in the last six months. I see this being a moment in which a giant is not falling but is getting ready for greater in the afterlife.

Even though he is ill, He is not crying, and his held is still held very high. Many older people once becoming sickly they become very depressed. Depression is a severe despondency and dejection, accompanied by feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy. Many elderly become most depressed after hospitalization because they notice all the things that they can’t do anymore. Not being able to do the simple everyday task such as changing your clothes can cause mixed emotions such as aggravation/depression. Even though Mr. Mandela probably misses things that he once could do but he knows greater is coming so in the midst of it all he stays strong, fighting off each illness while he can. When storms come they really hit hard and the things that they destroy seem as though they can’t be put back together. Yet, once they are rebuilt they come out bigger and better than what once was. President Mandela has Africa’s prayers and mine as well to keep fighting till he is ready to take his rest!