My son was born on Ronald Regan's birthday. I have a vivid memory of being in the hospital room with my husband and my baby, watching the State of the Union Speech. We were indescribably joyful that day holding our precious baby, only a few hours old. The President seemed to speak to us when he talked about the sacredness of life. He had the same hope for the future of America that we had for the future of our family.

I was not sad when I heard of the former President's death. I have a firm faith that those who trust in Christ will have a much better life in heaven. I smile to think that after a 10 year battle with disease, he is fully restored in the presence of God. But watching the funeral today did make me realize how much I will miss him.

It's the character of the man that set off these feelings. He believed in individual responsibility and individual opportunity. That's the same quality that makes me adamant that I don't want a doctor or an insurance company or a government bureaucracy managing my health. He was both witty and tenacious, qualities needed by everyone, including school teachers and moms. He believed that God had a purpose for his life. And millions of people now living in free countries enjoy the fruit of the pursuit of that purpose.

There will never be another Ronald Regan, but I pray that God will raise up leaders around the world who will emulate his stand for morality, freedom, individual responsibility, optimism and faith.