Thank you Mrs. Shriver, for doing the next right thing. - The DIS Discussion Forums

minkydog · 08-11-2009, 01:17 PM

Eunice Kennedy's parents didn't raise her for garden parties, polo ponies, and Paris shopping trips. Of course, as American Royalty those things were part of her life, but Joe and Rose expected much more of their children. The Kennedys were a very well-educated,well-traveled, physically active family who were expected to use their wealth and political power to help the world's down-trodden. Regardless of what we may think of the Kennedys individually I think we can all agree that Joe and Rose met their goal.

In a time when most socialites were hosting canasta games over martini lunches, Eunice had an idea about a different kind of party. Her beloved sister, Rosemary, was mildly mentally retarded and as such was kept away from the public and family eye. It was a day when disabled people were thought to have no worth, no dreams, no choices. Eunice believed differently. Eunice believed that disabled people did have worth and that they could enjoy the active life. She believed that not only could they swim and play, but they could enjoy the thrill of competition--a truly revolutionary idea for it's time. Thus, in 1968, was born the first Special Olympics.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver was the sister of a president. She had all the money she needed, plenty of political clout, beautiful clothes, beautiful friends. She could have had a life of ease and some might say she did, although she struggled with alcoholism and late in life, with multiple strokes. Eunice focused on helping the mentally challenged in a time when mental disabilities were hidden, excused, and feared. In part due to Eunice Shriver's tireless energy, disabled children were brought out of their parents' back rooms and into the light of public schools. Since 1974 education for all students, regardless of the extent of their disability, has been federally mandated. Today Special Olympics is found in 150 countries and serves millions of persons with mental disabilities.

God bless you, Eunice Shriver. I for one appreciate all that you have done for the lives of the mentally disabled. Because you cared to use your life to champion the lives of the "least of these," children like my son have more choices. I can only dream of having such an impact on the world. But I will do my best to follow in your rather large shoes, because, well, the world's children need me.

Sincerely,

Christian's mom

Serena · 08-11-2009, 01:19 PM

Nik's Mom · 08-11-2009, 01:21 PM

I admit I got choked up when they were showing clips of her involved in Special Olympics. Both of my boys are participants in Special Olympics and it has brought them such joy. I never thought I'd be able to cheer my boys on in sports.

In my book, Eunice Shriver did a great thing in creating special olympics!

asta · 08-11-2009, 02:22 PM

Mrs Shriver was truly a noble woman. I believe that much is asked of those who are richly blessed and she used her blessings to help a group of often overlooked people. Her loved ones should rest in the knowledge that she accomplished great things.

C.Ann · 08-11-2009, 02:27 PM

Couldn't have said it better myself..

minniecarousel · 08-11-2009, 03:14 PM

ditto.

It was good to hear that her family was called in for her last days.

Normangirls · 08-11-2009, 03:46 PM

Well said.

Signed,
Katrina's Sister

mamajoan · 08-11-2009, 04:52 PM

Very well said!!!

Ms. Eunice had a life well spent. I am sure St. Peter welcomed her.

keenercam · 08-11-2009, 04:59 PM

As a passionate supporter of Special Olympics and someone who has see first-hand the difference that can be made in a person's life by having an opportunity and an outlet for athletic participation, I thank God for Mrs. Shriver's vision and her heart. The world has lost a true HERO.

JerseyJanice · 08-11-2009, 05:01 PM

Mrs. Shriver's legacy is a proud one. May she rest in peace.

KirstenB · 08-11-2009, 06:11 PM

Minkydog, what an eloquent, heartfelt tribute.

I've been thinking all day about how she could have basically lived teh rich and famous lifestyle, instead of working tirelessly on behalf of those who work so hard for every milestone. Thanks for putting these thoughts into words!!

TwingleMum · 08-11-2009, 06:20 PM

Sometimes angels walk among us ~ she certainly earned her wings. I'm sure there were many many little friends who met her with hugs and thanks in heaven.

Sheree Bobbins · 08-11-2009, 06:24 PM

minkydog,

Thank-you for that fitting tribute. I learned a lot about greatness from reading about her lifework. The world is a better place thanks to Eunice Shriver.

Disney Doll · 08-11-2009, 06:26 PM

We have dear friends who ahve a 13 year old Down Syndrome son...our nephew by love, so to speak...who is a Special Olympian.

I honor you too, Mrs.Shriver.

Amy&Dan · 08-11-2009, 07:12 PM

The world was truly made better by her tireless, selfless, efforts. May she rest in peace.

08-11-2009, 01:17 PM	#1
minkydog DIS Cast Member hey! I've got two college degrees and a steady job. if I wanna watch mindless TV, so what? DIS Official Rum Taster I used to be in the all-natural camp. Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: GA Posts: 8,710	Thank you Mrs. Shriver, for doing the next right thing. Eunice Kennedy's parents didn't raise her for garden parties, polo ponies, and Paris shopping trips. Of course, as American Royalty those things were part of her life, but Joe and Rose expected much more of their children. The Kennedys were a very well-educated,well-traveled, physically active family who were expected to use their wealth and political power to help the world's down-trodden. Regardless of what we may think of the Kennedys individually I think we can all agree that Joe and Rose met their goal. In a time when most socialites were hosting canasta games over martini lunches, Eunice had an idea about a different kind of party. Her beloved sister, Rosemary, was mildly mentally retarded and as such was kept away from the public and family eye. It was a day when disabled people were thought to have no worth, no dreams, no choices. Eunice believed differently. Eunice believed that disabled people did have worth and that they could enjoy the active life. She believed that not only could they swim and play, but they could enjoy the thrill of competition--a truly revolutionary idea for it's time. Thus, in 1968, was born the first Special Olympics. Eunice Kennedy Shriver was the sister of a president. She had all the money she needed, plenty of political clout, beautiful clothes, beautiful friends. She could have had a life of ease and some might say she did, although she struggled with alcoholism and late in life, with multiple strokes. Eunice focused on helping the mentally challenged in a time when mental disabilities were hidden, excused, and feared. In part due to Eunice Shriver's tireless energy, disabled children were brought out of their parents' back rooms and into the light of public schools. Since 1974 education for all students, regardless of the extent of their disability, has been federally mandated. Today Special Olympics is found in 150 countries and serves millions of persons with mental disabilities. God bless you, Eunice Shriver. I for one appreciate all that you have done for the lives of the mentally disabled. Because you cared to use your life to champion the lives of the "least of these," children like my son have more choices. I can only dream of having such an impact on the world. But I will do my best to follow in your rather large shoes, because, well, the world's children need me. Sincerely, Christian's mom __________________ Never underestimate the determination of the mother with a handicapped child

08-11-2009, 01:19 PM	#2
Serena Not afraid of canned biscuits Silly string is always fun I fell on ice and cracked my tailbone once Ask me what people will do for my cosmetics case! Join Date: Aug 1999 Location: Indiana Posts: 34,133	__________________

08-11-2009, 01:21 PM	#3
Nik's Mom Keith Moon fan! Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Overland Park, Kansas Posts: 5,085	I admit I got choked up when they were showing clips of her involved in Special Olympics. Both of my boys are participants in Special Olympics and it has brought them such joy. I never thought I'd be able to cheer my boys on in sports. In my book, Eunice Shriver did a great thing in creating special olympics! __________________ Proud Mom to 2 boys, and wife to a great husband!

08-11-2009, 02:27 PM	#5
C.Ann We'll remember when... No time for green bananas When the going gets tough, she gets the Palmolive!! If I knew we were going to be graded here, I might try harder Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 28,920	Couldn't have said it better myself.. __________________ C.Ann ----------------- *"Scars remind us where we've been.. They don't have to dictate where we're going.."* "Life ain't always beautiful.....but it's a beautiful ride." "We won't be sad, we'll be glad for all the life we've had and we'll remember when...."

08-11-2009, 03:14 PM	#6
minniecarousel Chris Isaak fan I'll take my earthquakes over tornadoes & hurricanes any day! What's up with ruining corn by "creaming" it? Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Danville, California Posts: 12,129	ditto. It was good to hear that her family was called in for her last days. __________________ -Julie

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08-11-2009, 02:22 PM	#4
asta DIS Veteran Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: TN Posts: 910	Mrs Shriver was truly a noble woman. I believe that much is asked of those who are richly blessed and she used her blessings to help a group of often overlooked people. Her loved ones should rest in the knowledge that she accomplished great things.

08-11-2009, 03:46 PM	#7
Normangirls Mouseketeer Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Rural NW Ohio Posts: 340	Well said. Signed, Katrina's Sister __________________ "There must be more than this provincial life..." Trip Report: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2366169 Thanks GreatBiscuit and NWOhioAngela! 1977 Ft. Wilderness, 1978 Ft. Wilderness, 1979 Ft. Wilderness, 1980 Ft. Wilderness, 1981 Ft. Wilderness, 1982 Ft. Wilderness, 1983 Ft. Wilderness, 1984 Ft. Wilderness, 1985 Ft. Wilderness, 1986 Ft. Wilderness, 1998 Contemporary, 2001 Contemporary, 2001 Ft. Wilderness, 2003 All Star Movies and Sports, 2003 All Star Sports, 2004 All Star Sports, 2006 All Star Sports, 2008 All Star Sports, 2009 All Star Sports

08-11-2009, 04:52 PM	#8
mamajoan gotta hobble ....silly goose!.... Is enjoying this Grandma gig! gramma says.."no to ho's! Join Date: May 2000 Location: now SW Illinois! Posts: 4,104	Very well said!!! Ms. Eunice had a life well spent. I am sure St. Peter welcomed her.

08-11-2009, 04:59 PM	#9
keenercam Wishes she were Mickey's girl Would settle for looking like Tinkerbell instead of Winnie the Pooh Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Delaware Posts: 8,761	As a passionate supporter of Special Olympics and someone who has see first-hand the difference that can be made in a person's life by having an opportunity and an outlet for athletic participation, I thank God for Mrs. Shriver's vision and her heart. The world has lost a true HERO. __________________ CAM, Proud BLING owner: 2006 WDW 1/2 Marathon- 2006 Inaugural, 2007 AND 2008 Last-Ever Women Run the World 15K-2006 Inaugural DL 1/2 Marathon- 2007 & 2008 WDW Full Marathon-2007 Chicago Distance Classic- 2007 Inaugural Tower of Terror 13k I married the love of my life all over again on 1/12/09 Our Disney Vow Renewal planning journal --Wedding TR starts p.98 CAM

08-11-2009, 05:01 PM	#10
JerseyJanice Proud owner of Max the Mighty Wonder Dog. Join Date: Aug 1999 Location: Beautiful Bergen County Posts: 7,515	Mrs. Shriver's legacy is a proud one. May she rest in peace. __________________ 1972, 1974, 1976 WDW Childhood Trips (Offsite) 2/99 CSR (Gift Trip from In-Laws) 9/00 CR/POFQ (Millennium Trip, Split Stay) 6/02 WL (Gift Trip from In-Laws to Celebrate their 40th) 2/08 POR/Dolphin (Split Stay) 8/08 Pop (Free Dining) 9/09 Pop (Free Dining Again) 8/10 Pop (Free Dining Again! )

08-11-2009, 06:11 PM	#11
KirstenB Mom to "the nibbler" Baby Donor Join Date: Aug 1999 Location: Richmond, VA USA Posts: 3,890	Minkydog, what an eloquent, heartfelt tribute. I've been thinking all day about how she could have basically lived teh rich and famous lifestyle, instead of working tirelessly on behalf of those who work so hard for every milestone. Thanks for putting these thoughts into words!!

08-11-2009, 06:20 PM	#12
TwingleMum DIS Veteran Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: New York Posts: 4,737	Sometimes angels walk among us ~ she certainly earned her wings. I'm sure there were many many little friends who met her with hugs and thanks in heaven.

08-11-2009, 06:24 PM	#13
Sheree Bobbins DIS Veteran Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Planet Earth Posts: 6,783	minkydog, Thank-you for that fitting tribute. I learned a lot about greatness from reading about her lifework. The world is a better place thanks to Eunice Shriver.

08-11-2009, 06:26 PM	#14
Disney Doll DIS Security Matron Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Trumbull,CT,USA Posts: 22,336	We have dear friends who ahve a 13 year old Down Syndrome son...our nephew by love, so to speak...who is a Special Olympian. I honor you too, Mrs.Shriver. __________________ Disney Doll Prepare your child for the path, not the path for your child. Stop telling your God how big the storm is. Instead, tell the storm how big your God is. It's time to put on your big girl panties and deal with it! He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. ~~In loving memory of Teddy~~1994-2007~~

08-11-2009, 07:12 PM	#15
Amy&Dan Huge, huge thongs of them I think Disney's main purpose in life is to drive us all crazy! Feelings are seldom about logic Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Too far from Disney Posts: 12,117	The world was truly made better by her tireless, selfless, efforts. May she rest in peace. __________________ Have stayed at: Poly, OKW, CBR, CSR, POR, POFQ, Pop, ASMO, ASSP, ASMU, BWV, SSR, DLH, GCH & PP. And seven wonderful nights on the Magic! Upcoming Trips: March/April 2010: WDW, Pop Century

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