It was 1979, I was 9 years old, living in southern California, and all I could think about was playing tag, riding my bike, and building things with my Legos. A continent away my sister volunteered for Sen. Edward Kennedy's Presidential bid. I didn't know who this guy affectionately named Teddy K was. I can't remember ever being interested in politics. Why should I? I was 9 years old. I'd just lost my dad a few months prior. Mom did everything in her power to make the life for her 9 year old son a better place. It was a tough, long haul undoubtedly. But, I was intrigued by the things I kept hearing from my sister, on the road with a Senator from a state I'd never been to. Who was this guy?
Senator Edward Kennedy was a man who championed the causes of people like my Mom, my sister, and myself. We weren't the well off, we weren't politically connected, we certainly weren't part of any elite. But, Teddy was one of my champions whether I knew it, or not. He fought tooth and nail for people from all walks of life; whether it was union members, people of color, working single mothers, minimum wage earners, you, me, and so on.
I didn't know it, but my sister's working on his 1980 Presidential campaign would have an impact on my life that would last until this very day. I remember sitting at home awaiting news from my sister on the campaign trail. This was before the internet, email, twitter, facebook, all of those things that makes communicating with family, friends and other loved ones almost instantaneous. Every week, or so, my sis would send me a letter from the road. She has a way with words, my sis. Moreso than I, that much is for sure. But, in each of these letters she told me of where she had been that week, writing about the importance of the issues, and explaining them in such a way that a 9 year old boy could understand.
The great part of these letters I received was not just her dealings on the road in an insurgency campaign that was highlighted by Sen. Kennedy's desire for national healthcare for all, but the little trinkets my sis would send along with them. From her time in Maine she sent me a wee little metal lobster that I still have to do this day all the way to Hawaii where she made a point of sending me a little pineapple. In addition to those momentos, she would send postcards highlighting something unique about that state or town where the campaign had found her.
After a short while, she was put on his advance team. Helping to organize campaign events in towns all across America, from Ohio, to Florida, to California and in between. She's a real go-getter, my sis and I can see why she was. You see, Ted Kennedy represented an ideal. He strived for fairness and justice for all Americans. He looked beyond the color of one's skin, their innate abilities, their religious background, and personal beliefs. He just did because he knew that to better the lives of all Americans one has to walk across that bridge, reach over the fence, and shake their neighbor's hand. He was a negotiater, a fighter, a diplomat, and a fine gentleman.
Then, the 1980 Democratic convention came along. I was rooting for Teddy. I didn't know why. Well, maybe I did...my sister was helping him! But, sitting there at home, flipping channels on the TV, when cable was finally making it's way into my neighborhood, I was displeased to see all these channels with all these stodgy types talking about policies and party politics. Things that most 9 year olds could care less about. Except I had a connection to one of the speakers - Teddy Kennedy. So, while my friends were goofing off, siblings fighting over control of the remote, Moms taking care of their children while working a day job to help make ends meet, Dads working hard to help keep a roof over their families heads, I sat there glued to the television watching a man speak from the heart about issues that still resonate with me today.
You see, Ted Kennedy helped shape the person I am today. I'll never know if had my sis not been on the campaign, whether or not I'd be as interested, as involved, as compelled to help others had it not been for that one speech he delivered at the Democratic Convention in 1980. I wasn't political in the slightest. I was a kid! But, seeing him speak that night was the catalyst that prompted me to become active in politics. I can remember days as a teenager where I would stand up for the little guy and debate politics with anyone, young or old. I ended up going to university and studied political science with an emphasis on policy, I learned that through determination, hard work, diplomacy and gumption a man or woman could do so much to better the lives of his and her fellow Americans.
And with that I want to say thank you Senator Kennedy. I moved to your state about 15 years ago and was blessed to have one of the best representatives this country has seen in it's long history of storied politicians. You were a stalwart defender of those less fortunate than you despite your overwhelming wealth and privilege. Not many people can say the same. I speak for myself, but I know others feel the same way, but the Ol' Lion will be sorely missed.
Thank you fair brother.