In Memoriam of Senator Ted Kennedy
I feel very saddened by the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy. His is a great loss for our country because he was the kind of fearless maverick that we need more of within the halls of Congress.
I feel very blessed to have been able to work with him on the Gynecologic Cancer Education and Awareness Act, a bill that he was instrumental in helping to pass by unanimous consent.
I also had the honor of dining with him, his wife, and his children, including my dear friend Representative Patrick Kennedy, after a Kennedy Centers Honors event. It was a night I will never forget.
I wanted his help on the bill, but - much to my frustration - the evening was passing with a steady stream of people competing for his attention. I felt like I was not going to accomplish what I had set out to do at this fortuitous meeting.
But at the very end of the evening, when I had all but given up, and it was time to say goodnight, Senator Kennedy said to me, "I'll help you with your bill" to which I threw my arms around his neck and, while hugging him, I enthusiastically said, "Oh thank you Senator, thank you!"
He was a person of word and deed, which I wholly respect.
It will be quite some time before someone can fill his shoes or his seat in Washington. He will long be remembered as a force to be reckoned with.
I'm sure I speak for many when I say, "You will be missed Senator, and thank you for a lifetime of service."
With Deepest Sympathies to all the Kennedy Family,
Fran Drescher
President, Cancer Schmancer Movement
Public Diplomacy Envoy
The Nanny
