Senator Ted Kennedy: February 22, 1932 – August 26, 2009

After 46 years of service, the Liberal Lion of the Senate will roar no more. The only remaining Kennedy brother is gone. For those of my era and inclinations, the memory bank on this family is deep, complex, emotional, woven into the fabric of so many parts of our lives.

Teddy's death leaves me speechless somehow, the thoughts and feelings scrambled and intense. The words to explain it will have to wait. My own mortality -- and everyone's -- comes to mind. A sweet sadness about the fragility of life, and times. Of hope and tragedy, pain and good cheer. Of fate and loss, of perseverance and redemption. Of carrying on and embracing life -- and its inexplicable beauty -- regardless.

Statement from the Kennedy family:

“Edward M. Kennedy – the husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle we loved so deeply – died late Tuesday night at home in Hyannis Port. We’ve lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever.

We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice, fairness and opportunity for all. He loved this country and devoted his life to serving it. He always believed that our best days were still ahead, but it’s hard to imagine any of them without him.”

New York Times coverage.

The work goes on, the cause endures,
the hope still lives and the dreams shall never die.