TRIBUTES

Claire Ignacio

When Teddy, Jr. was 12 and had his leg amputated, my family and I were skiing at Waterville Valley in New Hampshire.  I heard people talking amongst themselves about a famous person who was on the slopes with us. Looking at the base of the skiing area, I was fortunate enough to see the both Kennedy's preparing to board the chairlift and I was priviliged to see that giant smile on the senator's face.  He blended in with the rest of us and had I not heard people talking about his presence there, I would never have known that the two of them were there at all.  And now, after watching the funeral of the senator and crying at the words spoken by Ted, Jr. I realize that maybe Ted was trying to prove to his son that despite the loss of his leg, he could still ski (referring to the words spoken by Teddy, Jr. at the funeral mass).

I have been a Kennedy follower all my life (I am 77) and simply love this family. Hopefully, Joe will enter politics now and keep the tradition alive for all of us who feel so secure in knowing that a Kennedy is in office somewhere.