He was diagnosed with a deadly form of brain cancer in May of 2008. Against doctor’s orders he traveled to and spoke at last summer’s Democratic National Convention which nominated Barack Obama for president. He was too weak to attend last week’s funeral for his sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver, or receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House. But despite the grim warning that he would likely not survive through 2008, Sen. Ted Kennedy is frail and failing, but still alive and kicking in August of 2009.
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This last remaining survivor of Camelot who is fondly referred to as the “Lion of the Senate,” has beaten numerous odds throughout his life and career. But after writing a letter a few days ago to Gov. Deval Patrick with suggestions on politically replacing him, the senator seems to be preparing for the inevitable. And now, even as his family calls his situation “one day at a time,” Ted Kennedy is set for a personal visit from the President of the United States. As the Obama’s vacation on Martha’s Vineyard this week, President Obama says he will visit his friend Ted “if he is up to it.” Reports from the Kennedy compound are that even a recent attempt to take the 77-year-old senator sailing, one of his most favorite pastimes, was challenging. So, a personal visit from Mr. Obama could very well be a timely and poignant moment.
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This last remaining survivor of Camelot who is fondly referred to as the “Lion of the Senate,” has beaten numerous odds throughout his life and career. But after writing a letter a few days ago to Gov. Deval Patrick with suggestions on politically replacing him, the senator seems to be preparing for the inevitable. And now, even as his family calls his situation “one day at a time,” Ted Kennedy is set for a personal visit from the President of the United States. As the Obama’s vacation on Martha’s Vineyard this week, President Obama says he will visit his friend Ted “if he is up to it.” Reports from the Kennedy compound are that even a recent attempt to take the 77-year-old senator sailing, one of his most favorite pastimes, was challenging. So, a personal visit from Mr. Obama could very well be a timely and poignant moment.
