Posted on 08/31/2009 12:53:58 PM PDT by presidio9
The last time many people heard Caroline Kennedy, she was a tentative, tongue-tied U.S. Senate hopeful from New York.
But Friday night - as Kennedy remembered her late uncle at a presidential library in Boston that bears her slain father's name - she was an eloquent, loving niece, and perhaps the last living link to the age of Camelot.
Poised despite her grief, Caroline recalled the many times her uncle offered her words of support - and similar encouragement to his other 27 other nieces and nephews. She recalled on the night he died looking out at the ocean he loved so much.
"I looked up and there was this one star hanging low in the sky that was just bigger than all the rest and brighter than all the rest," she said. "I know it was Jupiter but it was acting a lot like Teddy."
Through tears and laughter, poetry and prose, the family patriarch was remembered as the last son of a storied clan, a loving father and uncle, a sometimes rakish storyteller, and a legislator without peer.
Paul Kirk Jr., a one-time aide, said Kennedy "bore more hurt and heartache than most humans are ever asked to endure," yet still brought "more hope and optimism and joy to more people than we will ever know."
In the crowd were dozens of Kennedy relatives, a family that now has lost its guiding beacon. Last night the torch was held aloft by his nephew, former Rep. Joseph Kennedy (D-Mass.) and his beloved niece, Caroline, both of whom spoke for the family as Kennedy's widow, Victoria, watched from the front row.
Joe Kennedy brought the room to tears by thanking Ted's own children - Patrick, Kara and Teddy Jr. - for sharing their father with cousins who too often were left fatherless.
"The truth is that for so many of us, we just needed someone to hang onto," said Joe. "And Teddy was always there to hang onto."
In a testament to Kennedy's reputation for reaching across the aisle, speakers at Friday night's gathering included Republican Sens. Orrin Hatch and John McCain, the GOP's 2008 presidential nominee.
But the only title that seemed to matter Friday night was friend.
Sen. Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.) recalled how Kennedy called him after his surgery for prostate cancer earlier this month.
"Well," Kennedy roared, "between going through prostate cancer surgery, or doing town hall meetings [on health care], you made a great choice."
Maybe Sweet Caroline had a chance to rehearse this time.
Caroline for Senator! Caroline! Caroline!
She was READING IT!!!! Who wouldn’t look statesmanlike or “senatorial” if the script was right in front of you?
At least that one won't make the Senate.
It's a sign, don't ya know.
My first thought, too. Caroline for Senator.
Oh, my gosh. All these 60's hippies just can't stop worshipping themselves.
Classy.
And one of her daughters found her middle finger to present to the media.
Class? Not a bit.
The Kennedy “curse” is 95% self-inflicted. If I spent my life making stupid decisions I’d probably think I was “cursed” as well.
New Englanders just can't get over their love of royalty. They've been pissed off since 1776.
No kidding. I swear I can’t wait for the Beetles to fade away. I’m so sick of ‘em.
I know some freepers love ‘em, and I respect that. But I’ll be glad when finally the majority of people acknowledge that those guys were just messed up.
“Imagine there’s no Beetles”
What was my point? Back in the 70's Fr. Matthews needed an ok from Pope John Paul II so he could continue to "read" the Gospel. Today, it's no big deal if Princess Caroline drags a telestrator into Mass, as long is it may help her resurrect her political carreer.
Well despite the array of TelePrompters, BamBam manages to fumble through most speeches.
Hey Paul Kirk Jr, I think you meant to say that Ted Kennedy "CAUSED more hurt & heartache than most humans will cause in their lifetimes..." aka killing Mary Jo Kopechne, enabling the abortion & murder of 55 million babies, destroying our immigration system, and a drunken, lewd, slobbering fool. Yah, Ted Kennedy was a piece of sh_t work all right!
Right. Did you notice how the MSM picked up on that gesture? *crickets*
(Remember the furor over Jenna sticking out her tongue?)
Teddy, the Gas Giant.
Yep, that sounds about right.
So “Camelot” is just another name for the curtain that shields leftists from the truth and responsibilities for their action?
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