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One Special Lady
The caregiving community has had few
supporters on behalf of our loved ones who have
been as tireless and fearless as Eunice Kennedy
Shriver. As founder and honorary
chairperson of the Special Olympics, she has
touched countless lives and showed us that
caring is always the answer. I want to
share a few words written by her son, and a
fellow South Floridian, Anthony Shriver:
Dear Best Buddies Family,
It is with a somber heart that I write to
share with you that my beloved Mother, Eunice
Kennedy Shriver, passed away today Tuesday,
August 11.
She now has entered God's
magnificent embrace in the same manner that she
lived: at peace, surrounded by those who loved
her.
Accordingly, my Mother's efforts on
behalf of individuals with intellectual
disabilities – particularly her work with
Special Olympics – inspired me to similarly
devote my life to this shared mission. Through
her unwavering faith in their abilities, she
helped me – and countless others – to appreciate
the fact that everyone is capable of something
exceptional; especially with the support and
encouragement of friends and family. Through her
exemplary endeavors, I learned that this support
network is one of the most valuable assets
anyone can and should have, regardless of one's
abilities or disabilities.
My Mother's
lifelong commitment to people with intellectual
disabilities also taught me that there is no
greater joy than the satisfaction of
contributing one's time and energy to the
enhancement of another person's life. The act of
giving is the most rewarding manner by which to
conduct each of our lives. Indeed, I know that
my Mother continuously experienced such joy
throughout her life.
With my Mother's
passing, the Best Buddies family has lost one of
its most magnanimous supporters and advocates. I
know that like me, many of you will miss her
smile, her words of encouragement, and simply
her wonderful presence. Yet, I am comforted that
her indelible spirit will always be with us,
guiding us in our efforts to complete her vision
for persons with intellectual disabilities ...
for she knew that her fight for equality was far
from completed.
On her behalf, and as we
convey our last farewell, my family and I
express our profound gratitude for your shared
commitment to that collective dream. We would be
honored if you would take some time to learn
more about her life, share your own remembrances
about her, and read those of others at
www.eunicekennedyshriver.org. I
hope that you will not only read and perhaps
contribute to the site, but also share it with
your friends and family.
In lieu of
flowers, and your sentiments indeed are forever
appreciated, please consider making a donation
in my Mother's name to an organization dedicated
to the individuals she so lovingly devoted her
life to, such as either Best Buddies (www.bestbuddies.org)
or Special Olympics (www.specialolympics.org),
in order to help ensure that her inspiring
legacy will live on in our mission of
friendship.
Respectfully,
Anthony
K. Shriver
Founder and Chairman
Best
Buddies International
Gary Barg
Editor-in-Chief
gary@caregiver.com
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