TRIBUTES

Kimberly Young

I would like to send my heart felt condolences to the entire Kennedy family. Ted Kennedy has been a Senator almost as long as I have been alive. I cannot imagine what the future will be like not hearing his commentary on all the pertinent issues.

Several months ago I sent Senator Kennedy an email regarding my lack of understanding of the new health care proposals. Being a registered nurse, I really wanted to understand what the proposals meant to medical professionals as well as all Americans. I never expected to receive a reply to my letter, yet a few days later, there, in my inbox was a reply from Teddy Kennedy. I was astonished...honored. At that moment I truly understood what Ted Kennedy stood for and what kind of man he really was. He truly cared about all people and offered them his respect.

During the year that President Kennedy was killed, I also lost my brother. For this reason I have always felt a sort of kinship with the Kennedy family. I have admired the grace with which the entire family, especially Ted, have held their heads high over the years in the face of tragedy and set an example that shows people we can find some purpose for our challenges and transform these challenges into valuable learning tools which can enrich or lives further. So, with the death of Ted Kennedy, I too feel a sense of deep loss and sorrow. He has been there as an example of strength through my life and will always remain a symbol of strength, courage and grace to me. God bless you, all of the Kennedy family, in your time of sorrow and great loss. You are in my prayers daily.