Patrick Kennedy leaves note for Ted on gravesite: "Dad, the unfinished business is done."

Washington comPost ^ | March 24, 2010 | Philip Rucker and Eli Saslow

[Zakeet]

The political odyssey of health care reform in many ways is the story of Ted Kennedy, and as President Obama signed the historic bill into law Tuesday, Kennedy's gravesite was a place of quiet celebration and poignant reflection.

The late senator's widow, Victoria Reggie Kennedy, spent hours Sunday at the simple white cross at Arlington National Cemetery marking where her husband was laid to rest only seven months ago. Ted Kennedy's youngest son, Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy (D-R.I.), visited on Monday morning and left a hand-written note that read: "Dad, the unfinished business is done."

And on a dreary Tuesday morning, dozens of school children and health care advocates paused at Kennedy's tombstone to commemorate the man who for decades made overhauling the nation's health-care system his life's mission.

Kennedy's legacy was not lost on anyone who filled the East Room of the White House for Obama's bill-signing ceremony. Members of Congress wore blue "TedStrong" wristbands in his honor and posed for pictures with Patrick Kennedy. Caroline Kennedy, the senator's niece, sat in the front row, with other members of the storied family. Vicki Kennedy walked into the room with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.).

Obama received a thunderous applause when he evoked the ghost of Ted Kennedy near the climax of his speech.

[Snip]

When Obama sat to sign the bill, Patrick and Vicki Kennedy stood behind him. Finally, Ted Kennedy's dream became the law of the land.

[monkapotamus]

hehe

[SuziQ]

Oh, GAG!

[STARWISE]

Ohjeeze .. that is the wackiest ... ^!!^

Chahlie .. on the hood ...

[onyx]

I am glad I do not know those people!!!

[STARWISE]

Me 2 ...

Have any of these votes changed anything ?

[verga]

I think his “Dad” would have preferred a libation of Scotch or Whiskey.

And I would be happy to give it to him, if I could pass it through my kidneys first

[New Perspective]

LOL, I am glad I could make your day. :)

[New Perspective]

Enjoy to your hearts content. :)

[austingirl]

Thanks for the laugh - I could use it.

[VRWCmember]

He should have used fire-retardant paper for the note.

[ZULU]

That’s BEAUIFUL!!!

[angcat]

Was he cremated he would need two urns.