Tears From The Bay State
When I found out that Senator Kennedy died this morning, I cried.
It wasn't sobbing or loud wailing. But as I quietly sat watching television, my eyes would not stop tearing.
I didn't know Senator Kennedy personally. But as a lifelong citizen of Massachusetts, he's always been my Senator. From day one.
Photo courtesy of Xavier.
As a little black girl growing up in Massachusetts during the late 60's, I heard my parents talking about politicians. About who actually cared about our struggle for civil rights. I heard about the Kennedy family. That they cared about the poor, people of color, or anyone who needed help.
Are they a perfect family? No. Far from it. So those who may want to drone on about their mistakes, that's your business. But not my focus here.
When you hear news reports of people saying that if you needed help, you could call Senator Kennedy's office and someone would help you, some may wonder. This is absolutely true. Even when Bush became president, I figured, well at least we have Kennedy in the Senate.
I was just talking to my mother and she was saying that as much as we are happy with the legislation that he moved forward, we don't know about all the bad legislation that he prevented from going forward. There is a void in Massachusetts, in our country, and in our world.
Tomorrow and Friday, there will be a public viewing at the JFK Library. I've always gone there for interesting lectures and events. Or even to sit in the back by the water and watch the planes take off from Logan. I don't know if I'll be going or really what else to write. Rest in peace Senator Kennedy.
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Comments
love to you,
(((hugs))),
me
I must say, Senator Kennedy was not my favorite person in the Senate but his devotion to country must be noted. (Omitting all the shady business him and his family did in Politics, and his personal affairs).
It's sad to see someone so devoted, someone who moved mountains (and a recent election) pass away.
I wish the other millionaires in the Senate had this kind of integrity and refused their senate salary.
Shirley
t - Thank you and I appreciate the link!
cheryl - Very sad. : (
se'lah - It's still hard to believe.
anonymous - That's great that you got to go and sign the book. I ended up not going. One thing about watching all the events on tv, was seeing the new generation. I think they have his values and hopefully his vision. They may do some great things too.
nance - When someone like this passes, it makes me realize how much I took him for granted. Having him in the Senate was a real comfort and bit of stability for Massachusetts.
whalehead king - Amen!
pixiedust - Thank you so much! I'm glad that I was able to convey what I was feeling.
dmarks - I wondered about that! I figured that was the case. I agree about the other millionaires in the Senate. Oh well...
ngip - Thank you for that. I like hearing about perspectives from the other parts of the country as well. We're such a big country, it's so much to take in!
gfe - Thanks Shirley!