TRIBUTES

Mayra Nunez

In December 1983, our family was visiting Washington DC. We were approaching the Senate building when we saw Senator Kennedy walking down the steps. I walked up to Senator Kennedy and asked to take his picture. He stooped down to take my 1 year-old son out of his stroller, took him in his arms like one of his own, and we had our memorable moment! Amazing! Unfortunately, the film was ruined (8mm film camera) and I cannot show or give it to my son for posterity.

As fate would have it, when Senator Kennedy came to the University of Miami for treatments, again he and my son would meet. My son, now an RN, and 26 years later, would be one of his caretakers. I'll never forget when my son called me excited, saddened and protective to tell me who his secret patient was and not to breathe it to a soul. And again, I repeated the story to him of their first meeting when he was a baby. In these last few days of your passing, the story has been told many times and my son feels amazingly special that he had a personal connection with you. I'm sure the day he has a child, this special story will be shared as part of the history of our family. The Man upstairs works in mysterious ways.

Thank you for all your contributions, but most importantly, your huge heart. I know that you will be our "senatorial angel" helping our President and others continue to champion and heal and soothe the ills of our great country and the world. Rest in Peace Senator, and may the good Lord bless you and your family and our country. Thank you for allowing me to share my personal memories of years ago.

On behalf of myself and my family, our most sincere sympathies and respect.