TRIBUTES

Cory Motta

I am a Massachusetts resident who was fortunate to meet the Senator on one occasion.  My cousin was having his wedding at a restaurant where there was a Democratic Party fundraiser in the next room.  I was in the lobby near the door when the Senator walked in by himself.

He was kind enough to greet everyone with a kind smile and a handshake. I could tell he was late as he hurried through the door and was instantly mobbed by people from our party as our room was closer to the door than his.  I did not want to intrude upon him so I did not approach him.  I was a few feet away and he turned with a smile, introduced himself to me as did I and he shook my hand.

He was asked by a bridesmaid who happened to be in the lobby if he would mind a quick picture with the unsuspecting bride and groom who were inside the large banquet room.  I could see that he must have been late to the fundraiser, as it started hours before and I felt bad that he was asked to do this.  However, I will never forget that he never looked at his watch, never batted an eye,  he happily looked at everyone and said, "Sure, I'd be more than happy to, let's go!".

I was right there and was amazed at how genuine and nice he was to everyone.  There was no arrogance, or concern for his own time,  He walked in with a smile, the place erupted as he walked up to the stage, and the bride and groom were shocked as they watched the Senator walking towards them.  He took a bunch of pictures, shook hands with everyone, and walked out of the room looking like he had a great time doing it.

The loss of this man is incalculable.  His kindness, concern, and power have been a true representation of the New England spirit to the country and to the world.  Whether you were to agree or disagree with the man, you knew he was a man of belief, and not of political gamesmanship.

Massachusetts and New England have always been at the fore.  Our representatives have pushed this nation on many occasions towards it's greatest achievements.  We have always been the nations conscience and intellectual core.  Edward Kennedy has been one of the greatest to come from us.  He has represented all that we are.  Senator Kennedy was and forever will be one of us.  We will forever miss the warmth that his genuine concern and love for us provided us with.  May god bless him and his entire family who we all have come to love as our own.  For he has cared for us always the best he knew how to do.  In this, his family will always be part of our prayers.