Jack

I envy you for meeting Ted Kennedy and actually being able to talk with him. You said you always kind of thought of him as immortal; I always hoped he was. When he spoke, he like his brothers inspired the listener, and he sounded so much like his brothers that you could close your eyes and just listen and hear the same cadences and vocal overtones that were typical of JFK's and RFK's voice as well.

What impressed me the most about Ted was that even though he put in a full day of work, diligent work in serving the people of Mass. and the nation, he would hardly ever miss a school event, a recital, or some other family event for not only his own children but for his neices and nephews as well. HIs brothers having died, Ted took on the responsibilities of a father figure to their children and somehow with all those children balanced the family life and the work life as graciously as he did everything else. You knew what was important in Ted's life because he lived it.

His eulogies of his two brothers and of John Jr. all emphasized that they had been given every gift except the gift of years. Even though he had massive responsibilities, Ted was given the gift of years and he made the most of it with his work and with his family. I just wish it had been a few more years before he left us – he will be missed.

Thank you for this,Jack.As a native of Massachusetts myself,I know exactly what you mean when you say 'The Kennedy's belong to the nation but we get first dibs...' Perhaps it's that we are familiar with the surroundings that they lived in.We have walked the same beaches,seen the same sunsets,smelled the same ocean airs.Those simple actions help me to relate to the spirit of the family.I'm glad you have some nice memories with Ted.His passion and commitment to the Commonwealth will be sorely missed.I don't think anyone will ever be able to fill his shoes...ever. : (

Maybe this is the end of camelot,but Sen.Ted Kennedy shows us the right way.I am German,but i am deeply sorry for his family,and for the American people,too
The whole world lost a big human and politician.

Hi Jack, thank you for that beautiful tribute. You were lucky to have met him. We will all miss him. May he rest in peace.

Lilibeth
Edmonds, Washington

To be brief, I could write an epic passage, The Kennedy name and legend and dynasty is ours, American to the core.

Surviving a constant wake of tragedy, public at that, Teddy, our Lion, rallied and created a place for himself. Not just on name alone either, he was his own man and leader.

R.I.P. Senator Kennedy.
The Lion sleeps now but will live on in a political legacy that will never be rivaled.

Rose was the only Kennedy I'll ever miss.

Excellent piece Jack. Thank you for sharing. I am sad that Sen. Kennedy did not live to see Healthcare reform, but I can only imagine the deep sense of loss his entire fanily must feel at his passing. The Kennedy family has lost two of its strongest and most vocal members this summer. It is a sad season indeed.

Kimberley

Perhaps Mary Jo Kopechne can rest in peace now.

The kennedy charisma still lingers. U.S, is totally fascinated by the Kennedys. Ted ,the last of Joseph Kennedy's son is no more.His grace and poise will never be forgotten.

After hearing and seeing so many disparaging remarks today, it should be noted that Senator Kennedy's passing should be treated as a high-ranking, long-term member of Congress deserves...dignity and respect. Regardless of your political/personal views; please allow his family, friends, and fellow members of Congress to mourn his passing at this difficult time. Then you may resume your criticism. And, by the way, I am a card carrying member of the GOP. God Bless the Kennedy family at this time, both for Senator Kennedy's passing and for the recent loss of Mrs. Shriver.

I will miss our Lion. My thoughts and prayers are with his family who must be going through a very rough time right now.

Thank you, Jack, for sharing your memories. Your tribute was heartfelt and very moving.

Hi Jack,
Great to read your description of the late Senator and how it felt when you saw him. It brings back memories from when he came to East Lansing, MI and spoke at "the Union" hall. My sister and me were able to get pictures because I had enough guts to jump out of the crowd right onto the walkway as he was leaving and proudly announce "I am a MSU sophmore would you please let me have picture and hug!"

Senator Kennedy didn't even mind, he just said okay girls shall we.
I am 26 years old now and can happily acknowledge I met him. I took out that old picture upon hearing of his death and I am reminded of how humane he truly was to his constituents. I can only hope to emulate that devotion to my patients as a nurse.

Yvonne
Michigan

Senator Kennedy was man that will never forgotten for his outstanding jobs around the globe may Allah rest his soul in peace and provide us someone to continue his dream for the people.

Virginia: how can you call truthful comments about Kennedy disparaging remarks? Like it or not Kennedy will be not only remembered for the good things he accomplished, but also for the bad things that happened. And, I'm sorry but you can not tell his story without telling both sides of it. While I send my thoughts and prayers out to all his family and his friends, there are still people with broken hearts that happpened along time ago.

Thank you for this, it was touching and sent chills up and down as if I were there myself...

Beautifully written Jack. My grandmother was from New Bedford and the Kennedy's were her heroes. She was devasted at the loss of John and Bobby. If she were here, I'm certain she would feel the same for Teddy. She regarded Teddy as she would a much loved younger brother. She admired his strengths, lamented his all too human frailties and supported his every cause. Avo` Viera passed her love of all things Portuguese, Massachusetts, and Kennedy to her grandchildren. As I mourn the loss of Senator Kennedy, I find that I am also mourning the loss of an important peice of my family history. O deus abençoa-o e mantem-n Senhor Teddy!

Thank you for sharing such personal memories, Jack. Truly a devastating day for the family, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and each and every American. My prayer is that in Senator Kennedy's honor the Health Care battle finds a positive end.

He was a great man, and will leave us a great legacy.

I grew up in Massachusetts and my father worked on John and Bobby's campaigns. Ted Has worked hard for the working people of America and has done remarkable things. But please remember he choose to let a young woman drown to death to protect his political future. Men of real character do what is right at the moment regardless of the impact to themselves because it would be impossible for them to do anything else.

Jack that is a great memory of Ted Kennedy. Not to long ago
I started collecting book on the Kennedy family. It began with an
interest in Bobby Kennedy when someone gave a copy of the
book by Evan Thomas. Before too long I was collecting books
and JFK and ended up with quite a collection. Then an amazing
thing happened, someone who had saved the original copy of
Life magazine special edition on John F Kennedy gave me the
original magazine and I took a look at those photos today.

I was follow his carrer 16 years ago, I love the way He serve, and His love for people, no matter nationality. I'm a hispanic woman and of course i speek spanish, and I always remember him siging a song in spanish, His humble caracter and His carisma. Now the Lord enjoy His company.

Early this morning , i was on the computor and read the news of Sen. Kennedy's passing. Although, we all knew he was ill you always hoped that he would pull through . He passed close to when his sister Eunice Shriver passed. There is some comfort in this.
I feel sadness for a remarkable person, who we relied on to stand up for liberalism in this country. Perhaps, we took for granted that Teddy would always be there on the side we wanted . " At least we can rely on Ted Kennedy" we thought.
Sadness and honor and a feeling of how great this country really is.
Rest in Peace.

Thank you, Jack for this inspiring piece about how the Kennedy family touched your life. As a Legal Alien in the US (I grew up with Thatcher...) I find myself lacking in the history of the Kennedy family, but now i am curious to read and understand more. My family and I happen to be going on vacation to Cape Cod this week so I guess thats a good place to start.
shelly drori

The Kennedys have always made an interesting read, and this post was no different. Edward (Ted) Kennedy was quite a person, thanks for sharing your memories.

Very nice Jack. Very nice.

I remember that he was in the hospital and I said a prayer and
knew he would pull through...
I'm sure each American has wish a loved one would live for ever,
but they must move on to the next phase of life some would call it
the next level of the experience in the universe.
My son ran to me this morning and said mom,Ted Kennedy is dead ( He said it three times) and when I heard it I was not anxious I paused and while on a phone call,
I looked at him and said I know...
I didn't get to meet you Senitor Ted Kennedy but I'm sure my prayer reach heaven so you had a longer stay with your family...
An exceptional human being.
No there's another star in the skys its name is Ted Kennedy

Rest friend of humanity...
The battle is won...
I hope that you where truly cherished by your wife.

"Don't lean over or touch the rail "but guess who was speaking ? What a powerful speaker for a cause he believed in. The rest of them were boring speakers. Honestly,half asleep listening ready to head for GeorgeTown and Nathans but he'll wake ya up with interest and projection on a cause to listen and stay. We agree to disagree on PL 107-110 NCLB and yet we build on what's working and end what's not. He left a lot of gifts shared because he cared , we get to keep and work on.. Yes,the guard taps you on the shoulder and it's embarrassing. Whatever,finally a speaker not boring and it was Ted Kennedy.

I'm really glad you wrote this, Jack, cause it gives us even more insight into Ted's personality. I know everyone will miss him, but perhaps MA the most. He was ours. He represented us well.

Sad passing for sure, but not unexpected.
He on balance led a life where his successes and initiatives overcame his many flaws.

Thank you, Jack, for sharing your memories. A sad day indeed to lose such a great man. And sad for you too. He made a huge impact on you.

In Jan. 2004 my daughter signed up to go on her senior fieldtrip to Washington. During that trip we had the privilege of meeting Sen. Kennedy. The students were excited and he took the time out to speak with them and answer a few questions. Though he was busy he allowed the group of us to stand on the steps in the halls of the White House and take a picture with him, a picture I will always cherish. It is sad to hear of his passing, but in his time he accomplished so very much and was loved by a multitude of people. He will be missed.

Very nice,Jack. You're such a good writer!

Let's honor his legacy by carrying on the fight with even greater determination. He would have wanted it that way!

Thank you Jack great article.
After attending school in Boston for the past four years I have seen with my own eyes the impact that Ted Kennedy had on so many from his native state. Working as an assistant for WBZ-TV I also saw what most citizens don't. I saw the impact that Kennedy had on citizens that he didn't want the media to know about. He truly cared for the people that make up America. He will be missed.

It makes you wonder how things may have turned out had Joseph Patrick Kennedy, Jr. survived and entered the world of politics that Joe Sr. had planned for him. But then again, how often does the media ever make any reference to Ted Kennedy’s eldest brother.

Senator Ted Kennedy will be deeply mourned. If all of our politicians had half of his empathy for the common people, we would have a better country. His accomplishments and efforts in public office stand out above all others at this time. Even in death, his last letter showed concern for the need for health care reform. I know, if he'd been able, he would have been there in a bipartisan way to make things happen. We'll miss you, Teddy!

I am truly sadden by the death of Senator Kennedy. Though somewhat expected, I am still in shock because I wanted him to make it through and beat cancer.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Kennedy family and friends. Our country will never be the same without him. May he rest in peace.

Wow Jack, What a post – very emotional and insightful. I like your writing style. May he rest in peace. Have a great day, talk to you later.

Thanks for everything, Teddy. We love you and will miss you. Massachusetts will never be the same. Rest in peace.

It's sad that he and his sister passed away so close together. However, a family that has known so much triumph and tragedy will most likely rally again. -Having lived with my family in MA & had many generations on my Father's side there, I think of all the relatives who followed the saga from Joe Sr. & Rose, until present day descendants. You wrote a very nice tribute, Jack.

Hi, Jack!

Wow! How do you write well. His texts are very good! And today is full of emotion and memories. Very cool ... thanks!

What a wonderful article. The greatest way we can honor Sen. Kennedy is by fighting to reform health care for all. He will truly be missed and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Hi Jack
What a touching tribute. You are lucky to have met Senator Kennedy. He certainly has an important place in American history. From Canada,my condolences to his family.

Thanks Jack. That was really a great piece. I said it this morning but I will say it again, my condolences to the family.
And, Jack, I have to say this, every time I think of you I hear that young special needs child , well, character, in The Dreamcatcher saying," Watch out for Mr. Gray!" For some reason I always think of that when I think of you. Can you tell me why?

Donna Wood
Lexington, Tennessee

This was lovely, Jack. Thank you for sharing your memories with us. You're too young now, but someday you should write a memoir. I'll be first in line.

Today, we are all from Massachusetts.

I'll never forget meeting Senator Kennedy in the hall of the Senate building in summer of 1969. I was a contestant in the National Spelling Bee and my family and I had broken away from the group Capitol tour to roam around ourselves (you could do that back then.) It turned out to be brilliant idea. We went to Sen. Kennedy's office and his secretary gave my sister and me black and white head shots of him. As we were exiting the office, we saw him walking down the hall toward us, his head down. (It happened to be the one year anniversary of RFK's assassination.) Still, he stopped and took the time to chat with us, sign our photos, and, seeing my Spelling Bee badge, to ask what word I had gone down on. Tocsin. He said he couldn't spell it either. What a thrill! The autograph has now faded (this was before Sharpies) but the memory never will.

Jack,
I found out I turn on my computer, check my e-mail from CNN and checked my local news that Edward M. Kennedy had died due his brain cancer. I was so shocked, sadden, devastated, and cope.
My heart goes to Kennedy's family, friends, colleagues, Boston's people and his wife, 2 kids....." This is breaking heart for Kennedys....
Yes, late of his Eunice Kennedy Shiver also died too 2 weeks ago.
Also, Thanks for your writing so beauitful!! It is very somber for me to remember Kennedys.

Hello Jack,
Very nice tribute to Senator Kennedy. what a sad day. So this is the end of the Camelot era. Wasn't it amazing?
My good friend who lives here in Nacogdoches,TX was a driver for Senator Ted Kennedy for many years. He has gone to the funeral.
My, the stories he can tell! What a wonderful human being Teddy was.
I am sure my friend will come back with even more stories to share.
Thank you for the blog today Jack.
I for one will never forget the impact Senator Ted Kennedy had on this country and the people he represented.
Rest in Peace Senator Ted. ☮
@BettyAnnTX

I will never forget watching Senators Kennedy and Byrd tearing at each other on the senate floor; Kennedy, the more passionate of the two this day, each in diametric opposition to the other. And when it was over, maybe an hour or so later, Senator Kennedy put his arm around Senator Byrd and said, "Now Bob, how about we go and get that be-ah (beer)."

I think that's the definition of Statesmanship.

This country will miss him.

I was enthuse watching him on tele at the 2008 convention at Denver. He gave a great speech. I saw him as a true democrat who wanted the best for his people. As sick as he was he made time to deliver a speech. Its good to hear good things about him whiles he was alive. Lets celebrate him. Sen. Kennedy R.I.P.

I enjoyed this piece very much. I, too, will miss Ted. He championed most of the movements and issues dear to me.

I don't think Camelot is dead because the Kennedy's live on and I'm sure that there is at least one member of the clan that will step up and take Teddy's place within the family. And that is what their Camelot has always been about Family first and always. The lesson I have learned from the Kennedys is that all families have the good, the bad, and the ugly in them; but love and forgiveness are the things that will hold a family together through it all. A lesson I hope we all try and take forward with us in our memories of this public service minded family. My prays are with them all in their hour of need and I take peace in knowing that all the brothers are together again and hope their playing a game of football up in heaven.

Great post, Jack - Thanks for sharing. To think I remember the day Jack died, the day Bobby died and now the day Teddy died - how sad.
What I think I admire about Teddy the most that was despite his wealth and power, he always related to and fought for the common man and those less fortunate. His legislative accomplishments are many and let's hope congress picks up his fight for health care and passes the Ted M. Kennedy Health Care Bill (complete with the public option he so desparately wanted.) R.I.P. Teddy –

No one ever said that Ted Kennedy was perfect nor a saint. He was a sinner..... like the rest of us!

@ Larry....... Mary Jo has been resting in peace. Ted Kennedy will be judged by His God, not you! Shame on you.

May you rest in peace, Sen. Kennedy! Thank you for over 40 years of service to our nation.

@ lampe,

GOD HEALS ALL . . . IF YOU LET HIM. . .It's OUR FREE WILL to carry GUILT, HURT AND PAIN for the rest of our lives. OR, we can GIVE IT TO HIM ( god ) And Rest.

Lovely blog as always, Jack. I guess the Kennedys to you guys would be almost equivalent to our Royal Family. Condolences to all of you from the UK.

Wow, so beautifully written! I worked on the Hill during the Reagan Administration and remember how large Senator Kennedy's presence was when he entered a room. I can only imagine being at the 2008 Democratic Convention but I will tell you I sat on my couch and cried like a baby when he spoke. Great piece you have written Jack Gray.

@Mari Never said I was judging him, just glad to see her get some kind of closure on a 40 year cover-up.

Maybe it's a generational thing, but I can't cannonize Ted Kennedy like others have. I acknowledge that Kennedy has contributed to several major pieces of legislature, but that was his job. Where was he in supporting health care reform in 1993? The "lion" remained notably silent back then.

The Kennedy family had many flaws. In 1991 Newsweek described Ted Kennedy as "The living symbol of family flaws." He drank too much and was very much a womanizer. I fail to understand how all those things can now be forgotten.

Ted Kennedy is far from being a saint, hero, or legend. It's tiresome hearing the media's hero worship of this man. I guess honesty is a subjective thing.

Jack that was a lovely piece. Thank you for sharing your remarkable experiences. I agree with Jan you should write your memoir and I will be right behind her!!
My condolences to the Kennedy family.

@Mari, a persons true character shows when faced with a life or death decision. Ted Kennedy had that moment at Chappaquidick. He let a young woman drown rather than risk his reputation save her. True that only God can decide whether his good works since have balanced the scales. But to me Ted Kennedy will always be the senator who got away with negligent homicide.

R.I.P Teddy, what an extraordinary life lived. I think he came full circle and had his redemption. I always looked forward to hearing him speak, I also could hear the similiarities with his brothers voice. Imagine the conversations they are all having in the great Kennedy compound in the sky!

“Teddy” – as the name evokes – what a comfort and friend you have been to millions… The name Kennedy has been synonymous with politics for over half a century… for valor… for power… for daring… for acumen… for debonair flair… for visionary thinking… for fearlessness and for so much more. Ted Kennedy embodies one of the greatest gifts the Kennedy’s have given: selfless public service… in the spirit of the true “Public Servant”… Ted Kennedy fought, not for what he would benefit from, but for what multi-millions were deprived of – dignity and healthcare, above all. Yes, Ted, who could have languished in his billionaire family heritage, didn’t give into an expedient lifestyle… but fought valiantly, for the short-changed millions : the nations heart overflows with love and gratitude… what a celebration of life yours proved to be – Ted. May inspiration flow into the hearts and minds of one and all.

RIP TEEDY You was a man who stand up for us My haven father Jehovah will keep you with all who was not white,black or others my GOD bless your family. we always love you

Anderson please I would like to see again Teddy Kennedy in his on word . Thanks.Would you please tell me where in Houston I can take roses to remember Teddy Kennedy . Thank We love you Teddy

I m sure Sen Kennedy will see health care he support getting to all in haven even if us here we use Republicans to stop it for our interest I wish we did listen to SEN Kennedy RIP we all love you