In his eulogy today, former President Obama included this quote from the late Senator McCain’s self-proclaimed favorite book, For Whom The Bells Toll:

Today is only one day in all the days that will ever be. But what will happen in all the other days that ever come can depend on what you do today.

John McCain said that reflecting on that book helped him to survive his days as a POW.   So regardless of political opinions or personal opinions, this seems like a wise gift that the late Senator left to us all to think about the implications of our actions, beliefs, and decisions, big and small, each and every day.

I sometimes, or maybe even often, disagreed with Senator McCain–sometimes more strongly than others.  But I never doubted his conviction that he was acting on what he believed was best for our shared country.  And he demonstrated, time and time again, what I think are some of our greatest human qualities.

So I watched his Memorial Service today and cried and mourned a man that I did not vote for, but whom I respected and, in my own way today, honor.  I plan to remember that quote as I plan my day from now on.