Sep 03 2009
Senator Kennedy Touched Many Lives
After watching Senator Kennedy’s Memorial Service, I felt as if one of my favorite uncles, as well as a patriotic American Statesman had passed away. To many, Senator Ted Kennedy was the voice of reason, to others a liberal democrat and a prestigious senator and still to others, he was a friend, confidant, father, husband, and friend.
Regardless of your political views, I think that we could agree that Ted Kennedy was a model of Resolve. Even though he was born with privileges inherent to being a Kennedy, he was still like us, a human being with strengths, vulnerabilities and weaknesses. In the face of tragedy, Senator Kennedy was level headed. When confronted with his weaknesses, he admitted mistakes and faulty judgment. None of us, even members of the Kennedy clan, should be judged without room for forgiveness and understanding. To me, it seems that Mr. Kennedy’s life could be defined by words like determination, pride, humility, and honesty.
While listening to Senator Kennedy’s son deliver his eulogy, I felt tears of compassion and love running down my cheeks. For this young man, his father, Senator Kennedy, was an inspirational and compassionate hero. As I listened to Ted Kennedy Jr. relay his story of climbing the snowy hill with his father, I thought about other children who face dramatic challenges. Do they have somebody that motivates and shares in their challenges? I asked myself, have I been as compassionate and empathetic as I could and should be with my own children?
Besides the political legacy that Senator Edward Kennedy has left, he also leaves us inspired to commit and to compromise. Like Mr. Kennedy, let’s see if we can make ourselves more available to our children, our nieces/nephews, friends, and students. Let’s try to empower our children by believing in their abilities and strengths. Let’s agree to cheer our children with encouragement instead of completing tasks for them. Let’s model how to carry on, even in difficult times and let us listen and teach our children the art of diplomacy for which Senator Kennedy will be remembered.
Let’s value Ted Kennedy Jr.’s words,
You see, my father taught me that even our most profound losses are survivable, and that what we do with that loss, our ability to transform it into a positive event, that is one of my father’s greatest lessons.
Like many of you, I will miss Senator Edward Kennedy. I extend my condolences to his family, friends, and to those Americans who have been touched by his beliefs, commitments, and passion.
Magical Educating!
Donna Mavrides
Magical Moments
www.magicalms.com
