As a personal [beneficiary] of Senator Kennedy, I’d like to add a short true story. Back when I was a kid, perhaps 12, my younger brother was diagnosed with a mental disability. The school system would no longer admit my 9 year old brother and he had to be sent to a private institution which was way beyond my parents means.

One Thursday evening the phone rang at dinner time and I was the one who was closest and answered it. To my great surprise, the man on the other end said he was Senator Ted Kennedy and he wanted to speak to my father.

My dad got on the phone. A few minutes later after a one sided conversation by the Senator, my father ended the call with “Thank you so much.” Tears ran down my father’s face.

The senator had gotten a letter from my mom telling him how awful it was that our state of Massachusetts no longer helped the handicapped. He read the letter and called to say he personally would pay for my brother’s stay and education at a private institution.

My brother, and the rest of the family were saved by this great man. He had compassion. He had his demons as well. But for America, he was a hero. With great sorrow I brave his passing. Thank you Senator Ted. For me. My family. For the country.

And on we go…