At home and at abroad, mourners remembered Nelson Mandela as the father of South Africa. In front of his home in Johannesburg, hundreds gathered to sing in praise of the departed anti-apartheid leader.

From his childhood as a herd boy, Nelson Mandela went on to lead the African National Congress' struggle against South Africa's racially oppressive apartheid regime. For his efforts, he spent 27 years behind bars as a political prisoner. In 1994, he became his country's first elected black leader. Mandela died on Thursday. He was 95.

The transition from one role to the other is difficult, and many have failed making the attempt. Nelson Mandela was a rare example who succeeded in both jobs. In addition, he willingly stepped down after one term in office, setting an example for a young democracy.

In 2000, Auliya Atrafi paid thousands of dollars and risked his life to escape Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. He spent 12 years in England, but recently returned to his homeland, where he is trying to readjust to - and change - life in a conservative society.

Jacob Montgomery's apartment was destroyed last week when a tornado ripped through Washington, Ill. The Illinois Guardsman survived, but was separated from his 6-month-old pit bull named Dexter. Nine days later, something amazing happened.

"Me and my wife sat on our couch and cried," said Gregory Whitfield. "We are no longer homeless"

NPR's David Greene talks with the comedy giant about his life, his 50th anniversary in showbiz, and the centrality of family in his very particular brand of humor.

Ann and John Betar eloped on Nov. 25, 1932. Some said their marriage wouldn't last. More than eight decades later, they have "watched the world change together," John says. They hold the unofficial title of longest married couple in the nation.

At 19 years old, Austin Hatch has faced a mountain of adversity, that might have crushed others into giving up on their dreams. But rather than surrender, he's pressing on and says he feels blessed to be able to do so.

The nation's 43rd president made a rare appearance on national TV. Told that he looks more relaxed then when he was in the White House, Bush laughed and said "no kidding ... duh!"