My dad, a blue collar worker, retired and living in FL has shared with me and my siblings a long admiration of the Kennedy family.
Being raised Catholic and Democratic, he has rarely spoken of Bobby or Jack without immense emotion. Which, if you knew him, you'd know...that's unusual. My dad showed little to no emotion throughout our childhood. Now that he is older, he's not so ashamed of showing a few emotions now and then, but he always reserved his most passionate political talks with us concerning the Kennedy's.
My dad recounted where he was and what he was doing exactly when he heard about Jack AND Bobby's murders. He still calls them murders.
I'll never forget the tears welling-up in his eyes when he told us of their policies and their beliefs about their fellow Americans, how they brought a generation together. It was the first time in my life the idea that this country belongs TO THE PEOPLE was impressed upon me...my father used the Kennedy's legacy to instill this in our young minds.
I remember the night Obama gave his keynote speech at the Democratic convention. I had been telling my father all about this upstart politician here in IL where he spent all of his life before retirement. I told him, "This guy is like nothing you've ever seen."
My dad called me that night. And said, "I saw Obama's speech. You may not have seen this before but I've seen this before." And his voice cracked and I could imagine the tears welling-up in his eyes, "This fellow reminds me of both Bobby AND Jack Kennedy." He then said, "I hope he makes it to President someday."
When Ted Kennedy pledged his support of Obama and Caroline went on the trail stumping for Obama, all I could think of is, this is exactly what my dad said. Having such a public support for Obama from the Kennedy's has meant more to me and my father b/c of how much the Kennedy's mean to us.
I know my father shares my sentiments when I say, I'm not giving up on Teddy Kennedy. He's a fighter and if anyone can fight this fight....it's a Kennedy! I won't allow my eyes to well-up with tears but I will allow my heart to well-up with prayer and thoughts for Teddy and his family.
And I hope Obama get's to be Presdient someday.