A tough day ahead for the children of Ted Kennedy

Photo credit: flickr.com

UPDATE: All five of Ted Kennedy's children are to be applauded for their heart-warming speeches and tributes to their father. Kara, Curran and Caroline all read bible verses.  Ted Kennedy Jr. said, "My name is Ted Kennedy Jr., a name I share with my son, a name I share with my father. Although it hasn't been easy at times to live with this name, I've never been more proud of it than I am today." Patrick Kennedy shared stories of his dad, and how he made him a better person. He said to the crowd, ""He was not perfect - far from it. But my father believed in redemption and he never surrendered, never stopped trying to right wrongs, either as a result of his own failings or ours." After the funeral mass in Boston, there was a motorcade, which stopped at the steps of the Capitol Building on its way to Arlington National Cemetery. Thousands gathered to pay their last respects, including former or current congressional staffers. It was a fitting tribute to a senator who is forever woven into the fabric and history of America. Wife Vicky and the children handled the day with usual Kennedy grace and tenacity.

Although Ted Kennedy was known as “The Lion of the Senate,” five people knew him simply as Dad: Kara Ann Kennedy, Edward Jr. Kennedy and Patrick Kennedy, plus step children, Curran and Caroline. While the country mourns his passing, Ted Kennedy’s children and step children will certainly experience a long and agonizing day, as they say their goodbyes during a funeral mass to be attended by President Barack Obama, followed by a private, family-only affair at Arlington National Cemetery. While they are certain to be in the spotlight, few people know little about Ted Kennedy’s children.

Virginia Joan Bennett and Ted Kennedy met while he was delivering a speech Manhattanville College. The two were married on November 26, 1958 at St. Joseph’s Church in Bronxsville, New York. They produced three children whom are certain to have heavy hearts.

1. Kara Ann Kennedy was born on February 27, 1960 in Rockville, Maryland. As the senator’s only daughter, she proved herself a true Kennedy fighter by overcoming cancer. She and her husband have two children: Grace Kennedy Allen, born on September 19, 1994, and Max Greathouse Allen, born on December 20, 1996. Kara is a television news producer.
2. Edward Jr. Kennedy, sometimes known as Ted Kennedy Jr., was born on September 26, 1961. In 1973, he received a diagnosis of cancer, and had his leg surgically amputated on November 17, 1973. He is currently the co-founder and president of the Marwood Group, a financial services firm, but is also known as an American entrepreneur, investment banker and lawyer. He married his wife Katherine Ann Gersham on November 9, 1993, and they have two children, daughter Kiley Elizabeth Kennedy, born on August 7, 1994, and son Edward Moore Kennedy, born on February 25, 1998. The family lives in New Haven, Connecticut.
3. Patrick Kennedy, who was born on July 14, 1967, was the closest to his dad. He is currently serving his eighth term in Congress as the first representative from the First District of Rhode Island. He is single and lives in Portsmouth. In the past, the senator’s youngest son has battled with drug and alcohol addiction, and as recently as two months ago sought treatment due to his father’s failing health. Patrick Kennedy recently traveled to Washington, DC to receive his father’s Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama.

Ted Kennedy married second wife, Victoria Reggie on July 3, 1992 at his home in McLean, Virginia. Vicky was able to stabilize the senator’s tumultuous personal life and help him resume a productive career in the Senate. Ted was crazy about her two children and embraced the role of step dad to Curran and Caroline.

The thoughts and prayers of America go out to the children of Ted Kennedy. May they find the peace and tranquility needed to help them grieve the passing the man they simply knew as “Dad.”

For more information on coping with grief after the loss of a parent, check out this on-line article about coping with life’s challenges.

Related articles:

Ted Kennedy connected with kids in 'My Senator and Me'

Interview with Special Olympics Georgia, a legacy of Eunice Kennedy Shriver

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