Shirley Temple passes at 85....

   Today we celebrate the life of one of the worlds brightest lives, and mourn her passing. Shirley Temple has died at age 85. More commonly known for her work as a child star from the time she was 3, Shirley lived an outstanding life full of accomplishments many only dream of. Not only was she an amazing entertainer and beloved child star, she retired young at age 22 to pursue a life of meaning in politics, and she was good at it. 
   In her early years she, even by today standards, was one of the highest paid child stars in history, and by far the most popular. Her most popular works where done during her toddler years, including films such as, Curly Top and The Littlest Rebel. Her box office pull at the time towered over adult stars at the time such as Bing Cosby and Clark Gable. She was the top box-office star during the years 1935 to 1938. Her career was at its peak as the country was suffering the effects of the Great Depression, and her films offered uplifting, charming, and adorable moments. When her stardom began to fade in the 1940's during her teenage years her contract with 20th Century Fox was canceled, but she did not fade from the spot light. 

   She instead retired at age 22 and married Charles Black changing her name to Shirley Temple Black. Later she decided to embark on a new career as a foreign diplomat: She served in the U.S. delegation to the United Nations from 1969 to 1974 was U.S. ambassador to Ghana from 1974 to 1976, and U.S. ambassador to Czechoslovakia from 1989 to 1992. Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, who appointed her to the Czechoslovakia post, said Tuesday that he and his wife "mourn the loss of an American icon." 
   "She captured the affections of millions around the world by her endearing performances on the silver screen as a young girl, but I also admired Shirley for her selfless service to our country later in her life," Bush said in a statement released by his spokesman. "In both roles, she truly lifted people up and earned not only a place in our hearts -- but also our enduring respect." 

    Among all these successes, battling breast cancer and winning in 1972 is one of her greatest achievements. We will all miss her, but at the same time, I hope we remember to celebrate her life as well, because it is definitely one worth it. My condolences to her family and friends, and my thanks to amazing person she was.