My heart goes out tonight to the Kennedy/Shriver family for the loss of a most magnificent matriarch and humanitarian, Eunice Kennedy Shriver. I am in awe of everything she created: her productive caring and giving children, the global Special Olympics organization, a cultural shift in the way children with disabilities are viewed and treated. She was one of the all time great human beings.I had the privilege of meeting her son, Tim, and daughter-in-law, Linda, in a D.C. airport one year. I had no idea who they were at the time, but I sat watching their children waiting so patiently for the plane to arrive. They were all remarkably well behaved as they sat writing their Christmas thank you notes that I had to speak up and find out the secret to raising such good kids. Their mother Linda quickly informed me that the secret was to teach your kids community service and giving back. I will never forget that. I kept in touch with them and joined them one day at a Special Olympics basketball game to show my boys how they could get involved and be coaches to kids with special needs. It was on that occasion that I first heard Eunice Shriver speak. She was so beautiful, elegant and sure of herself. I made a decision to aspire to be more like the Shriver clan that is now her legacy- more giving, more involvement, more family focused. In picking Linda's brain more, I learned how important religion was in keeping the kids on track. They are Catholic, but she was referring to the idea of how it helps when a family has a belief and they pray together and give back to the community together etc. I am going to strive to be better on those fronts.
In homage to Eunice Kennedy Shriver this week, I am going to sign my family up to volunteer at a Special Olympics event. Maybe you will too!?!? Or do what Eunice did and find your special way to give back. She set a high bar and one worthy of aspiring to. God Bless you Eunice Kennedy Shriver, I know She will.... (hmmm Saint Shriver sounds pretty good to me).
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