Senator Edward Moore Kennedy

The passing of Senator Ted Kennedy, who died of a malignant brain tumor, is a tremendous loss for our nation and the world.  Senator Edward Moore Kennedy passed away August 25, 2009 at his home in Hyannis Port Massachusetts.  Kennedy diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in May 2008 after having suffered from a seizure.  Although enduring surgery and chemotherapy the medical prognosis was grim.  Typically, patients once diagnosed with this particular cancer, their life expectancy is fourteen months. 

He was the youngest of nine children, born February 22, 1932 to Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, and Joseph P. Kennedy.  He survived the deaths of his brothers President John F. Kennedy and

his brother Senator Robert Kennedy.  After the loss of his brother Robert Kennedy, Ted Kennedy assumed the role of family patriarch.  He was known for his "broad shoulders", and was one family member came to for advise, guidance and comfort.  Family members referred to him as "Uncle Teddy."

 Kennedy, known as "The Lion of the Senate," due to his forty-seven years of dedication to public service as a Democratic Senator of Massachusetts.  He began his remarkable and distinguished as career being duly sworn into office November 7, 1962, and then was served another eight terms as senator.  He introduced over 300 bills that became law.  He was a staunch supporter of civil rights, labor, and health care.  He was highly respected by Republicans and Democrats in the senate.  He was known for his nonpartisan politics, his ability to negotiate, and reach across party lines to get things accomplished. 

Kennedys' passion was to ensure that everyone had affordable national health care. This stemmed because of injuries he suffered during a plane crash in June 1964.  During his long covalence in the hospital he became the "Champion of health care services."

 Kennedy endorsed President Barack Obama on January 28, 2008, considered at the time controversial.  Although, he was fighting a malignant brain tumor, many felt that he would not be able to attend and give his endorsement speech.  However, Kennedy gave a rallying speech and many attribute his endorsement to be the catalyst that assisted Barack Obama to become our president.

 It is Irish tradition not to mourn the loss but to the celebrate life.  Although I am personally saddened by the loss of this great man, I chose to celebrate his life and his numerous accomplishments.