A New Day In Massachusetts - Remembering Senator Edward M. Kennedy

It has been some time since I sat down to blog. File under past due! I got very side tracked chronicling every Red Sox game at www.dak126-sox09.blogspot.com during the 2009 season. I had wanted to honor Senator Edward Moore Kennedy with some heart-felt words when he died August 25, 2009. But I didn’t know where to start and so I didn’t. After the special election last Tuesday I began to think it’s time. The election saw the seat occupied by Ted Kennedy for nearly 47 years go to a little known but tireless campaigner Massachusetts Republican State Senator, Scott Brown.

Needless to say it was a staggering blow to those who believed in Kennedy’s life-long ambition that good and decent health care be made available to all Americans including low income people as well as those with pre-existing conditions. The Democratic candidate, State Attorney General Martha Coakley, seemed to take her election as a given, failed to connect with the people and generally speaking wasn’t a very good ‘candidate’. These factors plus an angry electorate tired of the tight job market, the bank bailouts, the big bonuses, the perceived out of control spending and the rancor of Washington politicians all contributed to the 5% triumph of our new Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown, the first Republican elected to that office since Edward Brooke in 1972.

On an emotional level it’s a strange irony that the man who will succeed Senator Kennedy will now have the 41st vote which effectively blocks the health care legislation currently before Congress. My hope is that both sides of the aisle will put aside partisanship and really work together to accomplish what the American people are looking for among other things more jobs and a better economic climate.

To honor Edward M. Kennedy and his service to our country I begin with his very own words:

“I grew up in a large Irish Catholic family as the youngest of nine children. By their words, their actions, and their love our parents instilled in all of us the importance of the ties that bind us together – our faith, our family and our love of this great country.”

Ted Kennedy spent his whole career in public service working for the underdog, for those less fortunate, for those in need often giving voice to the powerless. To recount but three of the senator’s accomplishments I start with the fact that today there are 1200 community health centers in all 50 states giving low income Americans access to quality primary care due in large part to Senator Kennedy’s vision and inspired work.*

Next, in the words of Reg Weaver, the immediate past President of the National Education Association:

“Every major education law passed since the 1960’s has borne Kennedy’s imprint, from Head Start to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. He has proven himself, time and again, to be a fighter for children and educators.”

Finally, Senator Kennedy has always been a leading Congressional advocate of a fair minimum wage. Fittingly, he saw the minimum wage increase 16 times during his years of service in the United States Senate.

Countless words have been spoken about the senator and how he was the master of compromise enabling him to get the people’s business done. Even more words of praise were spoken during the period of mourning after Edward Moore Kennedy died last August 25th. The public wake at the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum saw folks standing in a line half a mile long for many hours to pay their respects. In a classy gesture, Vicki, Ted’s wife and other members of the family spoke to those waiting in line and thanked them for their presence and support.

Ted Kennedy was an outstanding and devoted senator. His friends and colleagues, both Republican and Democratic, gave memorable tributes at his funeral. But the most emotional and moving words came from his son, Edward Kennedy Jr. Losing his leg to cancer and battling the disease as a child Teddy spoke about how his father’s love and determination to help him made all the difference in his young life. Family man, loving husband to Vicki, father to the children of his assassinated brothers, John and Robert, tireless legislator, and advocate for those in need are just a few ways to describe this amazing man.

Was he a perfect man? No, far from it but he knew enough to change his harmful behaviors and to address his destructive ways. He was a man of faith who was humble and sorrowful enough to write to Pope Benedict XVI shortly before he died of a malignant brain tumor to ask for prayers and to seek forgiveness for any wrong-doings.

It goes without saying that I have long admired the Kennedy family, their service to America often at a great price, their willingness to stand up for and with common folks, their dedication to serving in the military, their closeness as a family and most of all the help given to the many with no fanfare or sought for recognition.

An accomplished sailor Ted found great solace and renewal in his closeness to the sea and especially those beautiful waters of the Atlantic Ocean at his beloved Hyannisport, MA home. Rest in peace, Teddy, the ninth and youngest child of Joseph Patrick and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy you always seemed to renew my optimism in what was possible.

I will close with a thank you to Senator Edward M. Kennedy for his kind and generous heart and for all that he did to make the lives of ordinary Americans better. You are missed beyond imagining…

*Source: http://kennedy.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Kennedy%20Accomplishments.pdf

Late Afternoon Seaside Images

Every year Labor Day brings with it the ‘unofficial’ end of summer. For me it’s a chance to reflect on a recent day at the beach. No question the best time of day by the ocean is very late afternoon. Once last week I arrived later than usual at 4:40 PM and the images I saw as well as the words I heard gave me pause and were much appreciated. Sometimes depending on where your beach chair happens to land you may be subject to overtired, unhappy children, grumbling adults, 'language challenged' teens, and any manner of obnoxious annoying sights and sounds. All this when you just want to have a refreshing swim, peacefully read your book or just enjoy the rejuvenating powers of the sun, sand, air and water.

No negativity on this particular day only lovingly beautiful images. First a family of three settling in to my left mother, father and son James about 12 years of age. It was a pleasure to observe this young boy so obviously kind and respectful to his parents even though he wanted them to go in the water and they preferred just to sit. At one point the Dad took some photos of his son with the ocean in the background. Even though the boy urged him to hurry when the ‘photo session’ was over the son gave his father a big hug.

The second image was directly in front of me as patient, loving grandparents were completely attentive to their 2-3 year old grandson, Dylan. They played with him digging holes in the sand, going into the water, offering cookies, and completely enjoying precious time at the beach with this beautiful little child.

About 5:15 PM I observed image number three as a father arrived with his three children ages ranging from a few months to six to maybe eight years of age. Perhaps the Mom was at work or maybe taking a break at home. In any event this family headed right for the water splashing happily, riding the boogie board, playing and having fun. Again you could feel joy and the love.

Final image is of a young mother with a new-born making her way to the water’s edge with another young woman perhaps her sister or friend. They spoke in a foreign tongue and made sure that the infant enjoyed the beauty of the seashore.

As the sun gets lower in the sky earlier and earlier I am reminded that these wonderful beach days will soon give way to the Fall and early darkness. I plan to enjoy as many of them as the summer has left with this day being a definite highlight. I’m thankful for the beauty of these seaside images as they will surely remain with me as will the sun glistening on the water, the warm ocean breezes, the refreshing swim in the ocean and the graceful sailboats gliding through the water. All this along with a compelling book to read will be much missed as the days get shorter, the weather cooler and summer comes to an end.

Honoring Eunice Kennedy Shriver

It has been said that Eunice Kennedy Shriver was a ‘force of nature’. That she was and more. Born into a famous, competitive and wealthy family she was a woman ahead of her times. Long before anyone heard of women’s liberation she was there competing with her brothers, Joe, Jack, Robert and Ted. Whether it was in school, in sports or in politics she was supremely intelligent, driven and feisty. She held her own in a male environment and taught her daughter, granddaughters and nieces that they could do anything that their brothers and boy cousins could do.

This positive self-esteem building was not limited to her family. In large part due to the love she had for her mentally challenged sister, Rosemary, she tackled the lack of acceptance and negative perception the world seem to have for such individuals. She founded the Special Olympics which started in her backyard as Camp Shriver back in the early 60’s. She encouraged these special children and made them feel loved and accepted for themselves. She convinced them they could do so much. As they practiced and competed their confidence grew, they made new friends and the lives of their family members were greatly enriched. Today these special athletes compete in some 175 countries. Through Mrs. Shriver’s tireless efforts 3,000,000 children and adults are able to participate in Olympic games and develop their skills. None of this would have been possible without the vision and hard work of Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

In 1984 President Reagan rewarded Eunice’s achievements with the Presidential Medal of Freedom – America’s highest award given to a civilian for public service. Those who knew her say she was a woman of constant motion always doing for others. Some of her most inspiring words were spoken at the 1987 Special Olympics held at the University of Notre Dame. It was there that she spoke to the athletes and said in her well known Kennedy accent:

“The right to play on any playing field? You have earned it. The right to study in any school? You have earned it. The right to hold a job? You have earned it. The right to be anyone’s neighbor? You have earned it.”

Her marriage of 56 years to Sargent Shriver, former Ambassador to France and founder of the Peace Corps, was an enduring love affair. They were completely devoted to one another and to their five children. As daughter, Maria, said at her mother’s eulogy she and her four brothers each felt like an only child. Their mother fiercely supported all their endeavors and spoke with each of them every day. Maria married to Arnold Schwarzenegger is the First Lady of California, an award-winning journalist and best-selling author. Each of her brothers runs a non-profit foundation. Bobby a member of the Santa Monica City Council co-founded a number of organizations including Product (Red) with U2’s Bono to help fight aids in Africa. Timothy has run the Special Olympics for the last 14 years and has overseen its growth to over 3 million athletes in 175 countries. Mark is VP and Marketing Director of Save the Children USA and is widely published in the NY Times, Washington Post and Newsweek among others. Anthony is the founder and chairman of Best Buddies International which fosters friendships for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It operates in all 50 states as well as 44 countries. In addition to their five children there are nineteen grandchildren quite a legacy for this amazing couple.

Eunice was a devout Catholic and a woman of tremendous faith with a particular devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus. In May, 2008 her son, Timothy, referenced this with the following words in an article he wrote for washingtonpost.com:

“But I can hardly begin to capture how much meaning and purpose my mother’s devotion to Mary has given me. The rosary was my first exposure to the power of repetitive prayer and led me to study the meditative practices of all religions where mantra and repetition form a pathway to silence and peace. Those beads in my fingers still create an almost biological reaction: “calm down” they seem to call out no matter the moment. Move to your center. Be still.”

Her daughter, Maria, gave a magnificent eulogy to honor her mother after the funeral Mass on August 14th. Here is an excerpt from it:

“Mummy was indeed a trailblazer. She showed up in her life as herself, and that takes courage. She took adversity and turned it into advantage. Inspired by the rejection she saw many women face, especially her sister Rosemary and her mother, and other mothers of special children, she turned that into her life’s focus and her life’s passion and mission. Her own brand of what I’d call maternal feminism.”

“Mummy was indeed a towering figure. I'm sure everybody in this church has a story about her, a story that would make you laugh, make you cry, a story that would make you roll your eyes at her audacity and her brilliance. She was the real deal, a woman who did everything women aspired to. She had a great husband, she had a great family, a deep, deep faith in God, and she combined that with being a fearless warrior for the voiceless.”

I had the privilege of attending the public wake held for Mrs. Shriver last week at Our Lady’s Church in Centerville, MA. There were many Special Olympians there, lots of ordinary folks and of course family members including all her children. I signed the guest book and was then greeted by one of Eunice’s 19 grandchildren. This very sweet little girl thanked me for coming. I was pleased to have the opportunity to speak to one of Mrs. Shriver’s sons and to tell him what a remarkable woman his mother was. He said simply, ”Thank you, yes she was.” I then said a prayer at Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s casket and took the time to view the many large photographs lining the aisles of the church. There was magnificent music playing helping to create a sense of reverence and awe.

The life’s work of Eunice Kennedy Shriver will continue to reverberate in the years to come as her children, her grandchildren and everyone she inspired with her words and deeds continue her life’s mission to make the world better for those with intellectual disabilities. For as Eunice herself said:

"As we hope for the best in them, hope is reborn in us."

Meeting Up With Mick Fleetwood

It has been a week now since I had the good fortune to attend another memorable concert by my favorite band, Fleetwood Mac. This article will be about the exciting events leading up to that amazing show.

It all began when I got a telephone call from my friend, Torri, saying she had bid for charity on a ticket package for a Fleetwood Mac concert. Much to her surprise she won with her bid and in addition to seats 3rd row center a Meet and Greet with Mick Fleetwood was included. Mick is the long time and original drummer with Fleetwood Mac going back to when it was a blues band in the UK in the late 60’s. As a long time fan and ‘groupie’ who has seen Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks in concert well over a hundred times I was thrilled when Torri asked me to be her guest. I really didn’t know what to expect and was delighted with the experience.

We arrived in Manchester, NH at the Verizon Wireless Center on June 16, 2009 with instructions to be there an hour before the gates opened to the public. There we were greeted by Cory (not Lindsey’s niece, also on the tour) who gave us our tickets, a promo photo of Mick and a really neat laminated All Access Pass. We proceeded to the stage and it was fun to be there looking out at the empty arena. Cory told us how they had to remove Stevie’s microphone from the Meet and Greet because fans were touching the ribbons and beads on her mic and throwing the electronics off. Cory told us Mick loves to talk and to ask him anything as she and the others working on the tour love juicy tidbits.

Mick entered from the side of the stage and is he ever, at 6’ 5” tall, larger than life. He has a pleasant, calm demeanor unlike his manic antics on stage. He was dressed like a British nobleman with a magnificent scarf, a beautiful suit, and a fashionable cap. He had on his traditional slippers only purple. I asked him where the trademark red ones were and he said he’d have them for the show.

Each group had a photo taken with Mick in front of his drum kit. We also had the opportunity to get an autograph. Mick graciously signed both the promo photo and the All Access Pass. One woman expressed disappointment that her husband couldn’t make it as he is a drummer and a big fan of Mick’s. Well didn’t Mick talk to him on the cell phone after his wife called him - so kind of Mick. When Torri and I had our photo op Mick asked us if we were Manchesterites. Torri is from VA and I’m from Boston. Mick commented that Boston was close-by. Another couple who vacation every year in Maui asked Mick , who has a home there, for restaurant recommendations and he had several for them. When the next couple had their time with Mick the woman said, “Are you going to sign it(his photo)thanks for last night" Mick said, “Ooh, that sounds naughty. Do you want to get me in trouble?” It was all in good fun with Mick showing a quick wit.

During the question and answer part I asked Mick about the jewelry he was wearing and each piece had an interesting story. The moon shaped pendant with three stones was last year’s Christmas present from Stevie and another piece was made by a couple in Canterbury. Mick described them as characters and real alchemists. He stepped toward me to act out how if the jeweler didn’t like what you had chosen she’d look down and say, “No, I don’t think so.” I also asked how Christine McVie was doing. He said she is very happy living in her 11th century home in Kent which he described as stunning. Her brother lives close by. Mick saw Christine about eight months ago when he took his blues band to play in England. Chris came to the show and Mick said he didn’t ask her to play even though she is a blues pianist as he knew she was happily retired.

At one point Mick mused about how maybe the band stayed a little too long on the road this time as they tacked on two make-up shows in Canada. In this regard he was very complimentary to Stevie calling her a real ‘team player’ and saying, “Let’s face it she really doesn’t have to do this.” Mick was of course referring to the fact that Stevie has a hugely successful solo career but we all know she does love ‘her band’! The band will be doing more concerts in Europe and Australia starting in October. Mick even said that it looks like Fleetwood Mac will tour again next summer – fabulous.

Mick told a very interesting story about the band’s first fan when Fleetwood Mac was starting out as a blues band in England and a woman named Madge came to all their shows. Well I always wondered about the songs Fighting for Madge and Searching for Madge on the Then Play On album. Who was Madge? Well now I know – very cool! How wonderful that the band wrote songs for their biggest fan who sometimes hitchhiked 200 miles to get to a show.

After this fan story I told Mick how I had gone to London and Birmingham to see the band during the Say You Will Tour in 2003. He seemed a bit amazed at that and asked if I had business and happened to be in England. I said no that some of us just love to follow the band. As for me it was something I always hoped to do to hear the band play in their native UK. Thanks to my friend, Martin from Bristol, for helping to make it happen.

Torri said how this was her 15th show of the Unleashed Tour. Mick opined you must get bored with the same introductions and stories every night. Of course we don’t! Mick said there are nuances and that they don’t play ‘by the numbers’. He mentioned how a band like REM is incredible with how they change the set for each song and vary the songs concert to concert. Mick said that Fleetwood Mac could never do that as Lindsey is a perfectionist and he does most of the production work with input from the other members. Fleetwood Mac hopes to do another album but with an outside producer. They need an overseer as Lindsey has a family now and it would just take too long when you’re as obsessive as Lindsey is.

At the conclusion of the Meet and Greet Mick unexpectedly came right over to me and with a kiss and a hug thanked me for being such a supportive fan traveling to England and all. I certainly didn’t expect that kind of recognition and I thanked him again for the music. He was gracious to Torri as well and we both felt that it was a real treat and an absolute pleasure to have spent some time with Mick who could not have been more sincere.

Mick was very entertaining and generous with his time. He was clearly happy to share and to spend these moments with us. There was no sense of ‘going through the motions’ as you know he has done these Meet and Greets countless times. Mick is real artist, a magnificent drummer and the one largely responsible for being able to keep his band with the convoluted emotional history not only together but still loving each other, able to work through all the hurts and to survive all the romantic entanglements. Thank you, Mick for your unique insights and your kindness to the fans.

Jessie - an Inspiration

Recently I’ve come to know an amazing woman in her 90’s. She is loving, lovable, feisty, wise and brave. Her name is Jessie. She has a sharp mind and a keen sense of humor. Today she challenged herself. You see Jess has macular degeneration. Her vision is limited. She once said that it makes her mad and then corrected herself not mad just frustrated.

Today when I saw her walking to the noon Mass I was concerned. She always gets a ride. When she had to stop driving, with a clean record, her motivation was so that no one would get hurt. Now I was concerned for Jessie's safety especially crossing the street. When I parked my car and went to meet her, she took my arm as we entered the Church together. She told me how she started out, then went back and then was determined to walk to Mass. Her usual ride was unavailable today and she had overcome her fear in order to get to church.

I managed to convince her to let me drive her home. Reluctant at first she came to realize that maybe walking one way was good enough for today. Jessie is someone who inspires and amazes. As one who is not much of a risk taker, I hope to learn from her courage and spunk.

Susan Boyle - A Dream Came Dream

Since last Saturday when Susan Boyle performed on Britain’s Got Talent her audition has been viewed over 30 million times on you tube and other websites. This has made Susan Boyle an internet sensation. But who is she? Well to start with she’s a single, unemployed, 47 year old woman who lives with her cat, Pebbles, in a small village in Scotland. The youngest of nine children she had learning difficulties after being deprived of oxygen at birth. Bullied as a child she had many challenges to overcome.

How did she become such a phenomenon? Backstage before her performance she declared, “I’m going to make that audience rock.” When Susan first came onto the stage the three judges as well as the audience looked skeptical and were even snickering at her. After all Susan was very plain looking even frumpy. When Simon Cowell asked who she wanted to be as successful as she cheekily answered Elaine Paige, only the First Lady of British Musical Theatre! The camera shows Simon, whose record label has had over 70 #1 hits in the UK and the USA, disrespectfully rolling his eyes and the other two judges looking equally disapproving.

Then Susan Boyle started to sing “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables. From the opening note everyone was completely enthralled. It took just eight words into the song for the screaming to start and for the audience to rise to their feet clapping loudly and enthusiastically. That magical voice so natural and haunting was a thing of beauty. Not only was the audience no longer snickering but many had tears in their eyes.

The first judge, Piers Morgan, said that this was the biggest surprise he had ever experienced in three years doing the show. He proclaimed that Susan’s incredible performance was stunning and he gave her the “biggest yes I have ever given anyone”. Indeed, no one was laughing now. Amanda Holden, the second judge, said it was a major wake-up call for them after being so cynical. She added that she felt privileged to have heard her sing. Finally, Simon who was all smiles during her performance declared that Susan could return to her village with her head held high as she was advancing to the next round of the talent show. Backstage after she performed Susan said she felt “bloody fantastic”. At that point she was crying overcome with emotion and perhaps realizing just how far she had come.

Later in interviews Susan Boyle revealed that she had taken care of her 91 year old mother who died in 2007 and that her mother’s dying wish was that Susan make something of her life. It was her mother’s wish that gave her the courage to compete in the talent search. Now this self proclaimed “never had a boy-friend, never been kissed” woman is beloved by millions and most certainly will get a recording contract. I know I’ll be right there ready to buy her first CD. Seldom does such a feel good, heart-warming story emerge in this day and age. The millions of people who have responded to her realize how very real this woman is. Susan Boyle is an amazing tribute to the resiliency of the human spirit.

Opening Day and the Amazing Senator Edward M. Kennedy

Today at Fenway Park the Boston Red Sox began their 109th baseball season. The opening ceremonies were wonderful with the Boston Pops and the Tanglewood Chorus performing a rousing National Anthem. This was followed by a fly over by the 104th Fighter Wing. In a unique twist all the Sox players were introduced while coming out of the stands high-fiving the fans. The ceremonial first pitch featured newly elected Hall of Famer and former Red Sox left-fielder Jim Rice and the inestimable Senator Edward M. Kennedy. The courage of this very brave man who is battling brain cancer is an inspiration.

Ted rode in from the outfield in a golf cart and then walked to the mound. That first pitch went from Senator Kennedy to Jim Rice and you just had to see it. Ted peered in as though looking for a sign from Rice. Then all smiles Senator Kennedy threw that first pitch. Just as back in 1912 his grandfather John ‘Honey Fitz’ Fitzgerald “Royal Rooter” and Mayor of Boston had thrown the very first pitch ever at the then new Fenway Park. Ted then joined family members including his wife, Vicky, his son Patrick and his niece Caroline to watch the game. All that remained was for the ageless Johnny Pesky to say, “Play Ball” and the season would begin.

Oh and the Red Sox beat the Tampa Bay Rays 5-3. It could not have been scripted any better with Beckett’s great pitching performance striking out 10 and giving up only 1 run and 2 hits, homers from Petey and Tek and a save from Paps – good times