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Remembering Ted Kennedy

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Other Politics
Posted on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 05:20:03 PM EST
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This evening, a memorial service will be held (my understanding is it will be broadcast) for the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy.

It is being billed as a celebration of his life. There is much to celebrate.

Consider this an Open Thread for commenting about the service.

< Ted Kennedy: Public Option "Vital" To HCR | Late Night Open Thread: Caroline's Tribute to Teddy >

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    Remembering Ted Kennedy | 102 comments (102 topical)
    I recommend waiting (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by waldenpond on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 05:23:58 PM EST
    until the service starts at 4:00 pacific... listening to Matthews talk about Obama as the torch bearer is nauseating, the 'public option must die' crowd is running a close second.

    Here's a better place to watch (5.00 / 2) (#4)
    by Inspector Gadget on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 06:17:43 PM EST
    No commentary

    I was going to mourn (none / 0) (#27)
    by Fabian on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 07:00:15 PM EST
    my loss of broadcast television - but here it is on the tubez!

    Much thanks.

    Parent

    Thanks for the link (none / 0) (#91)
    by MO Blue on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 09:32:34 PM EST
    Don't have a TV so I would have missed seeing this.

    Very nice tribute.

    Parent

    Joseph P. Kennedy does a strong (5.00 / 1) (#13)
    by oculus on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 06:29:50 PM EST
    call out on health care.

    He's a very good guy (none / 0) (#73)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 08:58:03 PM EST
    in many ways.

    Parent
    Chris Dodd (5.00 / 1) (#15)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 06:35:07 PM EST
    looks better than he has in ages. I hope his surgery went well.

    The green tie is a nice touch. (5.00 / 2) (#22)
    by oculus on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 06:42:07 PM EST


    Parent
    Looks like Dodd has (5.00 / 1) (#23)
    by brodie on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 06:45:17 PM EST
    lost some weight, no longer with that double chin.  The recent medical issue and surgery I guess.

    Funny how losing a few pounds can take a few years off your appearance.

    Parent

    Dodd: the HELP bill is Ted's (5.00 / 2) (#19)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 06:38:59 PM EST


    Chris Dodd (5.00 / 2) (#25)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 06:51:02 PM EST
    Great turn.

    Very graceful speech (5.00 / 1) (#30)
    by oldpro on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 07:09:04 PM EST
    by John McCain.

    I hope the Blue Dogs are hearing (5.00 / 2) (#33)
    by Cream City on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 07:14:38 PM EST
    that Teddy Kennedy bellow that real health care reform is part of the Democratic Party platform.

    And the lead-in was Congressman John Lewis.  Just so moving a voice. . . .

    I keep wondering if Ted can hear them (5.00 / 1) (#55)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 08:11:40 PM EST
    in the casket. Silly, I know, but I'm not ruling it out. He'd be smiling and enjoying this.

    I most hope he could hear Brian Stokes Mitchell (5.00 / 1) (#99)
    by ruffian on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 10:07:44 PM EST
    What a gorgeous rendition of the perfect song for Ted Kennedy.

    Parent
    Reincarnation guy here. (none / 0) (#60)
    by brodie on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 08:25:31 PM EST
    The soul-spirit has left and has probably already completed the life-review intake process and is getting accustomed to the new environs out there.  

    Though somehow, one suspects, he might be able, or be permitted, to view the proceedings from his new vantage point -- as a testament to the positive impact he had on so many down here.  

    Parent

    John Culver I'm recalling (5.00 / 2) (#58)
    by brodie on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 08:19:09 PM EST
    as the good senator from IA wiped out in the 1980 election blowout of liberal senators.  We got the exceedingly annoying RWer Grassley instead for the past 28 yrs.

    Chet Culver had me laughing (5.00 / 2) (#63)
    by kenosharick on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 08:33:40 PM EST
    so hard- the man could do stand up! Nice tribute.

    Parent
    John Culver (none / 0) (#110)
    by oculus on Sat Aug 29, 2009 at 01:25:38 AM EST
    His son, Chet Culver, is Governor of Iowa.

    Parent
    I love his story (none / 0) (#61)
    by MO Blue on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 08:25:39 PM EST
    Been laughing so hard I am about to cry.

    Parent
    Mr Culver (none / 0) (#62)
    by samsguy18 on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 08:26:16 PM EST
    I'm laughing so hard my sides are hurting

    Parent
    He was so great (none / 0) (#93)
    by ruffian on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 09:53:28 PM EST
    I didn't think anything could top what had come before all evening long. What a storyteller.

    Parent
    I was just thinking about Joan Kennedy (5.00 / 2) (#59)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 08:23:44 PM EST
    And wondering if she will be at any these events. They were married for 24 years and she is the mother of his children. Apparently, she was at the Thursday night event at the Cape compound and will be at Saturday's service. I'm glad they didn't leave her out.

    Thanks for that info (5.00 / 2) (#81)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 09:09:19 PM EST
    She's gone so completely unmentioned in the coverage of Teddy's death, I actually Googled to find out if she'd died and I'd somehow not heard about it.

    I'm REALLY glad they invited her in, but that seems like a very Vicki Reggie thing to do.  She was an integral part of the family for a very long time.

    Parent

    She still is (none / 0) (#84)
    by Inspector Gadget on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 09:12:49 PM EST
    Three of the next generation of Kennedy's are her children.

    She was so much more public during her marriage to Ted than Vicki ever has been that, not being an east coaster, Joan is always the one who comes to my mind when mention of Ted Kennedy's wife is made.


    Parent

    Yes, but (none / 0) (#105)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 11:43:13 PM EST
    there's been a huge split between her and the kids over her problems and how to handle them.  I believe she now has a court-appointed guardian.

    She was a first-rate amateur pianist (could have had at least a small local pro career, if she'd wanted to) and was very involved with the Boston Pops, and everybody on the staff, particularly the house and stage crew guys, just adored her and rooted for her.

    Parent

    Her eldest son, Edward Jr (none / 0) (#108)
    by Inspector Gadget on Sat Aug 29, 2009 at 12:22:54 AM EST
    Is her legal guardian. She wrote a book on classical music, and I think she is part of a non-profit for music.

    Parent
    Caroline's tribute (5.00 / 1) (#82)
    by Inspector Gadget on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 09:09:54 PM EST
    was wonderful.

    Wow, Caroline rocked (5.00 / 2) (#83)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 09:11:14 PM EST
    she totally made the night and the service. The most moving speaker of them all. I didn't just hear  her words, i felt them. I'm very much in awe.

    Me too (5.00 / 1) (#97)
    by ruffian on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 10:00:57 PM EST
    Very touching image of them all being in the history tour with Teddy as they drove to Boston. And the call to carry on his work.

    Parent
    I'm SO glad to have heard her (none / 0) (#106)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 11:45:08 PM EST
    That's the Caroline I thought I knew.  That was just absolutely wonderful.

    Parent
    "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling" (5.00 / 1) (#85)
    by caseyOR on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 09:15:04 PM EST
    One of my dad's favorite songs. He sang it to us all the time when we were kids.

    My dad's, too (5.00 / 1) (#88)
    by Cream City on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 09:19:36 PM EST
    so we also had a raucous rendition of it for his funeral.  

    But it is not to be sung by that otherwise wonderful gospel choir.  They have too much talent to (over)do Irish mawkish maudlin, the way my dad did -- and the way it's being done tonight.  With priests joining in at the lectern, yet.  

    Ah, 'tis a grand Irish moment.  Laughing and crying at the same time.  They did the man proud, as my dad would say, so . . . now it's off to the pub for a round on the corpse!

    Parent

    The whiskey (5.00 / 1) (#89)
    by caseyOR on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 09:22:08 PM EST
    I was thinking the only thing missing are the bottles of Jameson being passed around.

    Parent
    And never never never (none / 0) (#92)
    by Cream City on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 09:44:15 PM EST
    on the rocks.  Warmed from the passing of the bottle, hand to hand, as God meant it to be -- or he wouldn't have gifted the Irish with the ability to make that elixir . . . and Guinness, too. :-)

    Parent
    All in all a fitting and moving tribute (5.00 / 2) (#87)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 09:17:25 PM EST
    to a great man who lived his life to the fullest not just for himself or for the benefit of those he loved, but also for ordinary and disadvantaged people he never met. Very inspiring. I hope some young adults seriously consider following his example and going into public service.

    It really made me wish I had known more about him (none / 0) (#102)
    by ruffian on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 10:22:03 PM EST
    and appreciated him more when he was here.  Hard to say that about someone who was a public fixture, and someone I did admire, for nearly my whole life.

    I come from a big family too, and even though I was only 11 when RFK died, I remember feeling so sorry for Ted having lost his brothers.  He did not have to keep on fighting the good fight after that - he could have had a wonderful life just caring for his family. Biden's story of how Ted told him he had to carry on for the sake of his deceased wife and daughter spoke to that.  It really is inspiring to be reminded of his strength and his generosity of spirit.


    Parent

    When on earth did he sleep? (none / 0) (#107)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 11:48:02 PM EST
    Is what I kept thinking.  The guy was just everywhere.

    We've always heard what a great father he was to all those fatherless kids of his brothers, but it was really incredible to hear from Caroline some of the details of what that actually meant.  Those "history tours" just leave me nearly speechless with admiration and not a little envy.

    Parent

    Now, doesn't that fantastic tribute (5.00 / 3) (#98)
    by ruffian on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 10:04:42 PM EST
    just inspire you to get out and support that Baucus-Snowe health care reform plan?

    Honestly, if they can't pass Ted's plan they better just all resign, starting with his friend of 38 years Joe Biden.

    Wonderful to hear such an exuberant (none / 0) (#2)
    by oculus on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 06:09:44 PM EST
    singing of God Bless America, with many in attendance joining in.

    That former Senate aide to Sen. Kennedy (none / 0) (#26)
    by oculus on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 06:57:07 PM EST
    who sd. his strong point was his ability to sing?  Not so much--but so heartfelt.

    Parent
    Cut to Joe Biden walking in (none / 0) (#3)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 06:12:24 PM EST


    Interesting to learn Sen. Kennedy requested (none / 0) (#5)
    by oculus on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 06:17:53 PM EST
    his memorial service take place at the Kennedy Library.  Times really have changed.  Priest still has Irish accent but wears white collar but no robe.  

    FWIW, I'm delighted (5.00 / 3) (#6)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 06:18:55 PM EST
    that he's having a nominally secular ceremony. He's inclusive even in death.

    Parent
    it's not on in HD here (none / 0) (#7)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 06:19:07 PM EST
    When will comcast get cnn, msnbc, fox or cspan in HD?

    It's not in HD anywhere (5.00 / 1) (#8)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 06:20:38 PM EST
    The pool is apparently using SD cameras.

    Parent
    Joe Jr. (none / 0) (#9)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 06:22:41 PM EST
    You're getting a good demonstration of why Joe Jr. isn't going to be getting anywhere near Teddy's Senate seat.  I hope he doesn't try.  He's a good man in many ways, but wow, he's just tone deaf.

    I doubt I'd be at my best under (none / 0) (#11)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 06:25:15 PM EST
    the circumstances.

    Parent
    This sailing race story is pretty (5.00 / 1) (#12)
    by oculus on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 06:26:16 PM EST
    interesting.  

    Parent
    This IS Joe's best (none / 0) (#70)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 08:55:59 PM EST
    Not the emotion and the nervousness, but the self-consciousness, the lack of sense about what to say, the weird impression of phoniness, even when he's being sincere.  That's consistent with Joe, no matter what he's talking about.

    I had to turn him off before he got through thanking everybody for their, what, participation in mourning Teddy or something, including, for God's sake, Teddy's own kids and wife.

    Parent

    I believe his message to (5.00 / 2) (#77)
    by Inspector Gadget on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 08:59:52 PM EST
    Ted's wife and kids was his gratitude that they shared him with the many cousins who lost their own dads despite the many demands on his life.


    Parent
    Thanks for the info (none / 0) (#103)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 11:36:51 PM EST
    I didn't catch that.  It makes it a lot less weird.

    Parent
    Joe Kennedy Jr is a much better speaker (none / 0) (#10)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 06:24:03 PM EST
    than Bobby Kennedy, Jr. He's also extemporizzing, rather than reading a prepared speech, which is nice.

    Probably so, but RFKJr (5.00 / 3) (#17)
    by brodie on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 06:35:36 PM EST
    has to struggle with that throat situation.

    Still, despite that, he can be a very effective and passionate speaker off the cuff, as I've seen him do on several occasions.  The environment and campaign finance reform -- RFKJr can speak for hours extemp on these topics.

    Parent

    What is that throat issue? n/t. (none / 0) (#52)
    by sallywally on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 08:07:52 PM EST


    Parent
    Spasmodic dysphonia (none / 0) (#69)
    by The Addams Family on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 08:55:35 PM EST


    Parent
    He's got some sort of (none / 0) (#72)
    by gyrfalcon on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 08:57:11 PM EST
    semi-paralysis of the vocal cords.  Very hard to listen to.  I heard he's got some sort of radio show now, which is painful to think about.

    Parent
    I listen to it a lot on Air America (5.00 / 1) (#94)
    by ruffian on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 09:57:56 PM EST
    when I can find it. They change the schedule so much...

    Anyway, you get used to it after awhile. It's not that bad.  He is such a smart guy, and a good interviewer - he does a good job.

    Parent

    Thanks to both of you. n/t. (none / 0) (#95)
    by sallywally on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 09:59:26 PM EST


    Parent
    is Ethel there? (n/t) (none / 0) (#18)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 06:36:30 PM EST


    Interesting to hear what McCain will say (none / 0) (#29)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 07:04:27 PM EST
    Assuming Kerry is there, the last two Presidential losers are in the same room.

    He's droning a bit (none / 0) (#31)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 07:09:53 PM EST
    McCain just doesn't seem to have any soul.

    Parent
    Let's cut the guy some slack (none / 0) (#109)
    by cawaltz on Sat Aug 29, 2009 at 01:16:46 AM EST
    He just lost someone who he shared the Senate with for some years. Furthermore, it probably isn't lost on him that the person who just passed is only 4 years his senior. Seeing people close to your age pass is kinda a telling reminder of your own mortality.

    Parent
    Amateur hour (none / 0) (#32)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 07:13:04 PM EST
    There should be a link to the networks of this Burns video. They shouldn't have to record it off of a projection like movie pirates.

    Well, I'm wondering if Burns (5.00 / 1) (#34)
    by Cream City on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 07:16:06 PM EST
    put it together in only the last couple of days! or was asked to do it some weeks ago.  

    But I can see it just fine, and funerals and memorial services are for the family and close friends.  It's just nice to be invited.

    Parent

    This one is intended for the public (none / 0) (#35)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 07:18:59 PM EST
    I'm sure at Teddy's own request. If other people wouldn't "politicize his death," he would.

    Parent
    Now, really. I don't see this (5.00 / 1) (#38)
    by Cream City on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 07:21:07 PM EST
    as a tv show; it's just on tv.  

    And I don't complain to my hosts if they take me to a show and we don't have the best seats for the best view in the house, either. :-)

    Parent

    The film was played at the Democratic convention (none / 0) (#42)
    by Kitt on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 07:24:47 PM EST
    as a tribute to Ted - 2008.

    Parent
    Watch the online broadcast (none / 0) (#43)
    by Inspector Gadget on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 07:25:10 PM EST
    if the TV networks aren't doing a good job.


    Parent
    Kerry now the senior Senator (none / 0) (#36)
    by Cream City on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 07:19:22 PM EST
    from the commonwealth is quite a jolt to hear.

    And he's on a cane.  Huh?

    Kerry looks terrible (none / 0) (#37)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 07:19:42 PM EST


    I think he looks quite handsome (5.00 / 1) (#40)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 07:24:01 PM EST
    it's the cane that was surprising. He's also quite energetic.

    Parent
    Agree. Looks fine to (5.00 / 1) (#47)
    by brodie on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 07:28:18 PM EST
    me, especially for a guy who's probably in his mid-60s by now and also had a prostate surgery, iirc.

    Still has that impressive amount of hair, too.

    Parent

    Hip surgery (none / 0) (#45)
    by Kitt on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 07:26:44 PM EST
    That's why he's on crutches.

    Parent
    Not much of a pol (none / 0) (#41)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 07:24:33 PM EST
    Hard to believe Dems nominated him in 2004.

    Parent
    But of course (none / 0) (#44)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 07:25:33 PM EST
    Jeralyn is right. Not the thread for this kind of comment.

    I apologize for it.

    Parent

    He's the kind of person who needs (none / 0) (#46)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 07:27:12 PM EST
    to warm up. He's better now.

    Parent
    Some very moving words (5.00 / 2) (#48)
    by brodie on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 07:35:25 PM EST
    by Kerry at the end.  I thought he did well.

    Parent
    this is a memorial service (none / 0) (#39)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 07:22:39 PM EST
    to honor Ted Kennedy. Can you please refrain from repeating personal attacks on his relative?

    I just cleaned the thread (5.00 / 1) (#90)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 09:26:39 PM EST
    of the snipes against his family members.

    Parent
    Hatch has some interesting stories (none / 0) (#50)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 07:50:23 PM EST


    Hatch was really good (none / 0) (#51)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 08:07:21 PM EST
    I hear he's a really personable guy, he seemed it tonight. It's hard sometimes to separate these guys from their views. It's too bad it can take a funeral to see them as people and personalities.

    They get along much better than the public is led to believe. Also, it's a reminder that the Senate is still such a closed group.

    Any female senators scheduled to speak? (5.00 / 1) (#56)
    by Inspector Gadget on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 08:13:11 PM EST


    Parent
    Heartfelt comments (none / 0) (#57)
    by samsguy18 on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 08:14:07 PM EST
    And very funny.I'm so glad I decided to watch this tonite

    Parent
    His story.... (none / 0) (#113)
    by kdog on Sat Aug 29, 2009 at 09:35:25 AM EST
    about a feeling no pain Teddy promising to speak to the Mormon missionaries with him in Boston was classic...he was great.

    One does forget, or at least I forget, that our leaders aren't some race of cyborg con-artist tyrants...I'm so glad I watched some of the service to be reminded of their humanity and capability of genuine emotion.  

    We can hope Ted's passing will light a fire under their butts and remind all of our leaders of their humanity too...you get so wrapped up in  confusing life that sometimes it takes death to slap some sense into you.

    Parent

    I think it has been a moving tribute (none / 0) (#53)
    by kenosharick on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 08:10:20 PM EST
    to Sen. Kennedy. I only hope the repub spin machine does not do to this event what they did to Sen. Wellstone's memorial.

    The tans on these guys are (none / 0) (#54)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 08:10:22 PM EST
    really prominent. Particularly this Mayor from Boston. The makeup artist forgot to do his ears and hands.

    Really good singers (none / 0) (#64)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 08:37:49 PM EST
    Nice song too, very uplifting.

    So LOVING the (none / 0) (#65)
    by Jjc2008 on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 08:37:57 PM EST
    Community Chorus singing one of my all time favorite spiritual songs.......Just a Closer Walk with Me
    Moving and so fitting

    Ugh, Joe Biden (none / 0) (#66)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 08:44:36 PM EST
    5 minutes in and he's still talking about himself.

    Who is he talking to when he keeps saying (none / 0) (#67)
    by Inspector Gadget on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 08:47:17 PM EST
    "your brother"?

    Parent
    Jean Kennedy Smith (5.00 / 1) (#68)
    by caseyOR on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 08:51:49 PM EST
    Must be Jean. She's the only one of Teddy's siblings who is still living.

    Parent
    Actually, I think he was meaning (none / 0) (#71)
    by Inspector Gadget on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 08:56:47 PM EST
    to say something else. More likely his was talking to his children.

    Parent
    That's Joe. . . (none / 0) (#75)
    by andgarden on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 08:59:29 PM EST


    Parent
    Biden finally got around to talking about Ted (none / 0) (#76)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 08:59:46 PM EST
    and his ending to the kids was nice.

    Caroline is up as the last speaker (none / 0) (#78)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 09:00:28 PM EST
    and she gets a standing ovation.

    Born An American (none / 0) (#96)
    by Big Tent Democrat on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 10:00:21 PM EST
    "Fare thee well gone away
    Theres nothing left to say
    cept to say adieu
    To your eyes as blue
    As the water in the bay
    And to big jim dwyer
    The man of wire
    Who was often heard to say
    Im a free born man of the usa"

    The Pogues

    This seems appropriate (5.00 / 1) (#101)
    by MO Blue on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 10:20:56 PM EST
    An Irish Funeral Prayer

    Death is nothing at all.
    It does not count.
    I have only slipped away into the next room.
    Everything remains as it was.
    The old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged.
    Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.
    Call me by the old familiar name.
    Speak of me in the easy way which you always used.
    Put no sorrow in your tone.
    Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes that we enjoyed together.
    Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.
    Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.
    Let it be spoken without  effort
    Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was.
    There is unbroken continuity.
    Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?
    I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just around the corner.
    All is well. Nothing is hurt; nothing is lost.
    One brief moment and all will be as it was before.
    How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting,  when we meet again.

    Parent

    alright, you surprised me here (none / 0) (#100)
    by Dadler on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 10:15:52 PM EST
    Never woulda pegged you for a Pogues guy.  Good to know.  And good grab on the lyrics.  For some reason I want one of their raucous "happy" songs right now, like "Bottle of Smoke":

    Twenty-phuckin' five to one,
    me gamblin' days are done
    i bet on a horse
    called a Bottle of Smoke
    and my horse won.

    Fare thee well, Teddy.

    Parent

    I think it's Body of An American (none / 0) (#104)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Aug 28, 2009 at 11:42:02 PM EST


    Parent
    Great choice (none / 0) (#111)
    by ruffian on Sat Aug 29, 2009 at 06:35:26 AM EST
    Would love to see Ted waked in that bar on 'the Wire'. That would have been a great venue for Carver's sailing story.

    Parent
    Culver, rather (none / 0) (#112)
    by ruffian on Sat Aug 29, 2009 at 06:36:08 AM EST


    Parent
    Remembering Ted Kennedy | 102 comments (102 topical)