Sunday, August 30, 2009

Laughing Through The Tears



Tom lowered the flag to half mast on Friday.
Ted Kennedy, my Senator from the great State Of Massachusetts was laid to rest yesterday. Although I have not held residence in the state of Massachusetts since 1991, Ted Kennedy was my Senator and has had a profound and lasting influence on my life.
This is not a political statement, this is a statement about humanity, in all of it's glories and failings.
The stories told at the Wke on Firday night, had us laughing and crying and wishing for more. We were all blesssed to have had him with us for as long as we did. He fought for and worked for and loved and cried with the people of Massachusetts for 3 quarters of a century.
Every person alive can learn something positive from the life that this man led and the good that he has achieved for every one of us.
He loved Cape Cod. I love Cape Cod.
He loved the sea. I love the sea.
He chareished his family. I cherish my family.
He loved his dogs. I love my dogs.
He loved to sail. I love to sail.


He found solace in his faith. I have a faith.
He loved to laugh and he loved great stories. Who does not????
He thought about the needs of others. We all MUST!
He respected EVERYONE whether they agreed with him or not. I Strive to do this.
HE fought for those who could not fend for themselves. I try , to do this in my own small way.
He was an amazing parent and Uncle and Grandfather. He set an example for parents everywhere. I work everyday to be a good parent.
He suffered immeasuable tragedy and sheperded his extended family through horrible loss and darkness. Could any of us accomplish that?????
He rose above adversity countless times and strove to be a better person. He was an endlessly compassionate person. I try to be.
He constantly championed those who had no voice. We MUST ALL DO THIS!!

, "...the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die."
Love Changes Everything by Andrew Lloyd Weber

Love, love changes everything
Hands and faces, earth and skyLove,
love changes everything.
How you live and how you die
Love can make the summer fly
Or a night seem like a lifetime.
Yes love, love changes everything.
Now I tremble at your name
Nothing in the world will ever be the same Love,
love changes everything.
Days are longer,
words mean more.
Love, love changes everything.
Pain is deeper than before,
Love will turn your world around
And that world will last for ever.
Yes love, love changes everything.
Brings you glory, brings you shame
Nothing in the world will ever be the same.
Off into the world we go
Planning futures, shaping years.
Love bursts in and suddenly
All our wisdom disappears.
Love makes fools of everyone
All the rules we make are broken.
Yes love, love changes everyone
Live or perish in its flame
Love will never, never let you be the same.
Love will never, never let you be the same!
When I heard this song sung during the Memorial Service on Friday, it struck me that this song says it all. Love can change the world. If we all would TRUELY follow the Golden Rule, just imagine where we could take the world!!!!!
Follow the lead of this wonderful man.
Love each other as we love ourselves. The Golden Rule. This is enough- there need be no more.

Peace!

5 comments:

DanaSmith said...

My husband is from Westwood, MA and much of our chat on the way to Ferrum College yesterday to drop our baby off for her Jr. year revolved around Ted Kennedy and the great state of MA. Our first 5 years of marriage was spent on Cape Cod so our connections are strong. I sent your post to my husband as I'm sure he'll enjoy reading it.
Dana in VA
www.TheThingsILove.typepad.com

Laura said...

Terrific post! I completely agree.

diane james said...

I cried yesterday watching his funeral mass and his last visit to the Capitol Building. You posted a great memorial to a man who fought for the very least American. As you said, we must all take up the cause and fight for Justice in America.
Thank you.
Diane in MO

Barbara said...

Hello, I found you through Judy in the dyes. Great post. I too sat through the wake and funeral laughing and crying and wanting more.

Peace!

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

You speak from your heart Elizabeth. I wonder if anyone will pick up the cause...for the people. I can't think that anyone will do it as well as he did, or as honestly from his heart.

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