Ever attentive to the trauma of brain cancer and injury, I took a moment to look for an update on Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA) while wondering if he'll make the Convention in late August.
It seems that a film crew has arrived in Hyannis Port to create a short piece overviewing the Senator's life and career. It's to be viewed some time during the "Obama Brouhaha" (a colloquialism used by a friend of mine who is also a National delegate).
News of this crew's activities has created some speculation that the Senator may not be attending the event in person for whatever reason seems to make the headlines bolder for that day.
My take on this is that he's been busy for many decades and that the surgery and treatment for glioblastoma should sideline the strongest of any human being. I'm one that scrubs in on cancer surgeries from time to time, and can attest to the invasive procedures involved in cancer cases. To see him up and going would be a great thing to behold.
However, at the risk of sounding pessimistic, The Lion may need to be there without being there if we want to keep him in fighting in the Senate. Having him as the focus of a work produced by a DNC Film crew is in and of itself a statement that there are much bigger pictures that the party's constituencies have yet to view.
So, I encourage all of you to add what you will to this revelation. A convention without Ted, in person. A first for many decades.
This is the Good Senator from Massachusetts speaking on the 8th of May of this year while chairing a set of hearings on "Cancer Research and Patient Care" before the Senate Health Committee. Two weeks later, he collapsed at home and was diagnosed with cancer.
(Panelists included from left to right: Mrs. Elizabeth Edwards, J.D., Senior Fellow, Center for American Progress, Washington, DC; Lance Armstrong, Chairman and Founder, Lance Armstrong Foundation, Austin, TX; and Steve Case, Chairman and CEO, Revolution Health, Washington, DC.)
Take a moment to appreciate what amazing qualities we have in some of our leaders and fellow citizens who are not just putting forth heroic efforts on cancer awareness and treatment; but are also championing the goal of cancer's eradication. It's for all of our benefit that they work so tirelessly.
Whether live or Memorex, you'll be well-represented Sir.
Wear a Grey Ribbon.
Know the facts and find ways to help.