TRIBUTES

Pamela Simpson

I worked as a staffer in Washington, DC between late 1973 - 1978 in an office next to Senator Kennedy. I attempted many times to secure a position on his staff and one afternoon before a televised presidential address, Senator Kennedy overheard me discussing with a friend my frustration concerning this effort while standing outside Senator Barry Goldwater's office.  I remember him lingering in the hall, perhaps to listen to what I was saying.

As staffers began to leave for the evening, the Senator elevators were out of service and they were forced to use those intended for staff.  Senator Kennedy left with two aides, boarded the staff elevator.  When we reached the main floor, he instructed that the car be brought around, then turned to me and asked if I would assist him in hanging a portrait in his office. We waited for the car and he walked out to retrieve it, went back to his office to hang what turned out to be a portrait of President John F. Kenney in the Rose Garden at the White House.  I didn't see the portrait until he began moving it into position. Needless to say tears began running down my cheeks. He continued to stand quietly staring at it; I could not speak.  I turned away with the intent of leaving him to his thoughts, when he spoke to thank me for my help and presumed interest in his work.  I saw him often and he simply acknowledged me by nodding and smiling. I've always thought of how an action so small brought a level of satisfaction to the years I spent in DC.  Blessings to the family and fellow staffers.