Twenty-eight years ago I walked into the Washington office of Senator Edward Kennedy. I was a delirious congressional intern enthralled with the whole concept of working inside the machinery of government, and thought I was in heaven. I was to perform the simple task of picking up documents (yes-paper) that my employer (Congressman Doug Walgren (D-PA) needed for research on guess what issue - yes, health care.
This man who passed away this week had more stamina, courage, tolerance for pain, and energy than most of us including me, and more importantly came to us the same way we did: by the grace of our Creator. That's why I would honor Mr. Kennedy in spite of what I think of his actions, beliefs, and political leanings. (Photo at right: Associated Press, Senator Kennedy with President Obama in April 2009).
I hated that he was Catholic - a Christian - yet supported abortion rights. I hated his views on health care, the minimum wage. government regulation, tax policy, and many things he said while George W. Bush was president.
But today I will thank God for the man - as we all should - simply for his being among us. His gifts were many, he used them to the fullest, and no one can say he did not live with vigor.
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