I never liked Senator Ted Kennedy. His overzealous ultra liberal persona was, for me, too much to take. Truth be told, I always considered him to be just another blowhard politico. But I found out first hand, the “on camera” Ted Kennedy is much different than the “off camera” Ted Kennedy. It’s why I implore everyone to pray for his recovery.
The worst summer of my life was 1999 when my two friends Lauren and Carolyn Bessette died along with John F. Kennedy Jr. in a plane crash off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard. Their parents called on me to act as a spokesperson and deal with media. During the days and weeks following the accident I had to work with Sen. Ted Kennedy on a personal level. He was a complete gentleman, compassionate and understanding. I was actually surprised at just how kind he was.
I remember thinking the Kennedy Family was going to try and take complete control over the service and the memorial in an effort to make it all about their family. In fact the opposite occurred. Sen. Kennedy left most of the details and decisions up to Lauren and Carolyn’s mom and dad, Ann and Richard Freeman. It saddened me beyond belief to watch Lauren and Carolyn’s family have to go through such a tragedy with America watching. I will be forever grateful that Ted Kennedy and the rest of his family, respected Lauren and Carolyn’s parents private nature.
When I first met Ted Kennedy he thanked me for giving such a “beautiful and fitting” tribute to “the kids.” I told them, they were Ann Freeman’s words not mine, I was just a reader. I remember the Senator making me feel like I had known him for years. There was a calmness about him that made me feel at ease in his presence.
It was a surreal experience to see my picture next to his on the pages of papers like the USA Today, New York Times and Daily News. My experience tells me Ted Kennedy the politician is much different than Ted Kennedy the patriarch.
Sadly, the man who consoled his family through so many tragedies is forced to go through a crisis of his own. I wish him and his family all the best and I pray for his recovery. I am honored I had a chance to meet Senator Ted Kennedy though I wish it could have been under different circumstances.
