Days We Are Never Ready to See

Nearly 20 years ago my father had a stroke and within a few months passed away. And despite the fact that I was a "late life" baby and my father had lived a very long life, I wasn't ready to lose him.

A few years ago my mother, my rock and my role model, was diagnosed with a condition that has changed her life (and mine) drastically. I wasn't ready for that but by the grace of God and the support of good family friends we're doing OK.

This past Saturday when I heard that Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) had been rushed to the hospital with stroke like symptoms I realized that there are a few more things that I'm still not ready to see.

It's utterly amazing how news about someone whom you've never met and likely never will can deeply touch you. As I mentioned on Catherine Morgan's post on Senator Ted Kennedy's diagnosis, there has never been a day in my life when a Kennedy has not been in the White House, the Justice Department or the Senator.

In fact, when I look back at the factors involved in my decision to attend college in Boston versus Syracuse, I have to admit that the Kennedy mystique was a definite factor. Places like Beacon Hill, Brookline and Martha's Vineyard held just as much interest for me as Bunker Hill and Lexington and Concord.

Earlier today Senators Robert Byrd (D-WV) and Arlen Specter (R-PA) Expressed What So Many of Us Are Feeling

For better or for worse the name of Senator Ted Kennedy is synonymous with the modern Democratic Party and American politics. Today has been a day that many of us were not ready to see.

My thoughts and prayers are with Senator Kennedy and his family.