Teddy

Ted Kennedy died today, in case you missed the news. I can't remember if I've told you this before, but I have a long-standing, flaming, intense obsession with the Kennedy family. I've read so many books on the Kennedys, I may have a graduate degree in Kennedy Sciences and not even know it. I am fascinated by them. I love them. I feel like I hung out at their dinner table and sparred with them intellectually long before I was born and well before they started dropping like flies. In my dreams, I sail with them off the coast of Martha's Vineyard.

Eunice died August 11. That ripped me up. But now Teddy? I mean, he's been sick for forever and a day, so it's not like I'm shocked.

But I am a little bit devastated.

Obviously, this family had a dark side...and to say that is to be charitable. But they deeply valued public service and dedicated their lives to improving the world they lived in, even if what went on in their private homes wasn't something we can call exemplary. I just feel like they were a huge net positive for the world, and I mourn them.

I am sad today over the loss of my buddy Teddy.

When something like this happens, I am thankful for my Christian faith. Because I can tell myself that he is up sailing around the skies, reunited with his brothers, sharing their company for the first time in far, far too long...and really believe it is happening. Think what you want of that, but I really believe it. Teddy, Jack, Bobby, and Joe Jr.. Up there, sailing together. It makes me happy to think of all the fun they must be having. I sure am glad I believe that heaven is there, because it makes earth a lot more manageable.