My Ted Kennedy story...I wish I couldn't tell it.

Since Senator Ted Kennedy passed away we have heard and seen some truly remarkable moments of history and deeply touching tributes.  Not the least of these I believe occurred yesterday at his funeral mass in Boston. What got me me most by far was the grandkids offering up their prayers for the completion of the dreams their grandfather had dared to dream. In addition to which I also found all three Eulogies by Ted Kennedy II, Patrick Kennedy, and President Obama to be quite moving and reflective not only of the man they honored but of the man they were delivered by. 

All of which brings my to my story from yesterday, one which I frankly wish I weren't able to tell.  As the funeral ceremony drew to a close I hear Brian Williams mention in passing that the Senator's body would be flown to Washington D.C. out of none other than Hanscom Air Force base, which happens to be mere minutes down the road from my apartment. I hurriedly rushed out the door and headed over to one of the two main roads leading on to the base, hey 50/50 shot right? As I drove down the road I began to notice random cars parked in the driveway of businesses they had to be there for the same reason I was.  As I kept going I eventually came upon the entrance to the base, multiple news trucks, and tens of people lining the road under umbrellas.

I parked my car, retried my own umbrella and made my way out to the road side a few hundred yards down the road from the guard post. I chatted with others who had gathered while we all waited and one man remarked "They don't make senator's like that anymore." Indeed.  A reporter from WCVB gave periodic updates on the motorcade's progress.  I believe that as the motorcade drew closer the rain and wind intensified significantly.

Finally the sounds of sirens could be heard and the motorcade approached.  Just like on TV first came the state police motor cycles and then the limos. Vicki Kennedy could be seen her fingers pressed to the glass mouthing thank you and trailing was the Senator's flag-draped coffin in the hearse behind.  Directly behind him came his children Ted Kenney Jr. with the window of the limo down thanking members of the public who had assembled to wave and offer their thanks.  The crowd was I would say solemn but everyone shouted a thank you and waved as the family passed. 

Since Friday and the public wake in Boston, which I wasn't able to make it to, I have felt intensely that I needed to be a part of this physically in someway.  While I am greatful to have been there and added my "Thank you!" to the chorous of the thousands of MA residents who have come out over these last days to do the same I can't help but wish that it had been under much happier circumstances. I hope the Senator is resting peacefully now and that healing process will begin for his family.

It is time for all of us now in Massachusetts, and the country as a whole, to join hands, pick each other up and get about business of "climbing that hill" that lies before us.