Death of an Icon

For future readers of this blog, I would hope you will immediately realize this article will not be written about Michael Jackson. If MJ was the first person that crossed your mind when reading the title to this blog I would suggest following another blog. The icon I am speaking of is the legendary US Senator Ted Kennedy. The last of the great Kennedy brothers to pass away, Ted was hailed as “the Voice” of the US Senate, and was honored as the greatest legislator of his generation by President Obama. However, as I watched clips of his funeral services (covered live by all major news outlets) the images invoked feelings we have all had, the feeling of losing a loved one. To watch as Ted’s son choked on his tears to deliver a heartfelt speech on live television really brought the situation into a broader spectrum for me. Ted Kennedy was not only an iconic figure, comparable to if not distinguished from any great US Senator before him, in the political realm, but he was also a husband, father, and even grandfather. So often we get caught up in the media storm surrounding popular figures, and we will forget that these same people are no different than us. This is why I felt such emotion as Kennedy’s son passed on his goodbyes in the public forum. It took me back to memories of my relatives passing on their memories at funerals of loved ones. The Kennedy family is no different. The outpouring of affection, and intimidating presence, of two former US presidents and of course our current president most likely did nothing to console the Kennedy’s for their loss. In fact, a traditional Irish Catholic family like the Kennedy’s would probably enjoyed sharing their memories around a kitchen table with a pint in-hand more than having to sit through the media bombardment of their paternal figure’s funeral. So here is to you, Mr. Kennedy, I truly appreciate all that you have done for this country, and the lasting effect your ideas will have on our progressive political ways.
“For me, a few hours ago, this campaign came to an end. For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.” – Ted Kennedy, shortly after conceding the Democratic nomination in the 1980 presidential election to incumbent Jimmy Carter