Like most of America I woke up a few weeks ago to the news that Teddy Kennedy had passed away.
Given the news attention that this is going to receive in regard to the health care debate over the next few week, for good reason, and frankly the man's 40+ years of service I couldn't imagine writing a blog without mentioning his passing.
Additionally for me personally I have grown to appreciate his life story in that although he made his fair share of mistakes, that his actions and good deeds after those mistakes are what people will remember the man for.
I think that we all can appreciate some the achievements that he helped through the senate no matter our political persuasion including civil rights and education among more contentious issues like immigration and health care.
The one thing that has struck me about the news reports early this morning were the comparisons between Ted Kennedy and Ronald Reagan, something I would have never expected to hear.
That being said, I can understand that long standing politicians that never turn cynical are few and far between..
..
in fact that club may only have two members.
It's almost hard for me to imagine how much his family has gone through, but I can appreciate their willingness to continue their public service.
One reason Kennedy is an inspiration for me is a story his grandchildren told about their sailing races on the weekends.
He did not believe that the family was any more skilled or talented then anyone else, they simply had to outwork everyone else.
I can take a lot of inspiration from that stance in my personal life.