Certain travel destinations remind you that you live on a planet—an old, weathered, tectonic plate-shifting planet. The Earth has been smothered by glaciers, eroded by wind and water, splattered with lava, and slammed by debris from outer space. Yet, these geologic forces have left behind some of the most fascinating must-see sites in the continental United States.
JFK's sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver dies at 88
August 11, 2009
(08-11) 06:56 PDT BOSTON (AP) --
President John F. Kennedy's sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who carried on the family's public service tradition by founding the Special Olympics and championing the rights of the mentally disabled, died early Tuesday surrounded by relatives at a Hyannis hospital. She was 88.
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I once had the opportunity to bring the invocation at a Special Olympics. It was one of the truly inspiring moments of my life when all of those young people and adults stood together to recite their pledge and prayer, "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
Eunice was valiant in her attempts to leave a grand contribution to society. She has won.
In her public appearances, which is the only acquaintance I have with her, she exuded charm and grace.
The family said, "She was the light of our lives, a mother, wife, grandmother, sister and aunt who taught us by example and with passion what it means to live a faith-driven life of love and service to others."
According to the Special Olympics website, "Today, more than three million Special Olympic athletes are training year-round in all 50 states and 181 countries. They run races, toss softballs, lift weights, ski moguls, volley tennis balls and pirouette on skates."
This passion came out of pain and love. Eunice's sister Rosemary was diagnosed with "mental retardation," and as a young adult, subjected to a lobotomy, a procedure once thought to improve quality of life by controlling behavioral impulses. It was a family tragedy. Rosemary lived to 86 and was always a part of Eunice's life.
More than just games, the Special Olympics advocates for people with intellectual challenges in every arena of life.
What an amazing couple, Sergeant, who founded the Peace Corps and Eunice who did so much to elevate the status and potential of the developmentally disabled.
Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Founder and Chairman Best Buddies International posted the following statement:
"It is with a somber heart that I share my Mother's new journey, yet joyful Resurrection, to be at the side of Jesus Christ. It is satisfying to know that she is joining her beloved brothers, sisters and parents in a perfect place that will bring her peace, everlasting happiness and eternal comfort. My Mother, whom my siblings and I loved infinitely, will be missed deeply; though she shall never be forgotten. Her indomitable spirit lives on in her 5 children, 19 grandchildren, and loving husband Sargent; as well as through the millions of individuals with intellectual disabilities around the world whose lives have been directly enhanced in meaningful ways given her relentless passion and determination to uplift our friends within both the Special Olympics and Best Buddies organizations, such that everyone ultimately could be included and happily contribute within our collective communities. My Mother's work to improve the world we share was always personal, abundant and forever inspiring."
Part of the family statement reads:
She was the light of our lives, a mother, wife, grandmother, sister and aunt who taught us by example and with passion what it means to live a faith-driven life of love and service to others. For each of us, she often seemed to stop time itself - to run another Special Olympics games, to visit us in our homes, to attend to her own mother, her sisters and brothers, and to sail, tell stories, and laugh and serve her friends. How did she do it all?
Inspired by her love of God, her devotion to her family, and her relentless belief in the dignity and worth of every human life, she worked without ceasing - searching, pushing, demanding, hoping for change. She was a living prayer, a living advocate, a living center of power. She set out to change the world and to change us, and she did that and more. She founded the movement that became Special Olympics, the largest movement for acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities in the history of the world. Her work transformed the lives of hundreds of millions of people across the globe, and they in turn are her living legacy.
" Her love will inspire us to faith and service always"
I can think of no greater legacy than to inspired faith and service in others.
Have you ever wondered how Compassion, an openly evangelical organization, is able to work in Muslim or Hindu countries where evangelism is illegal? I have.
