minkydog
DIS Cast Member
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2004
- Messages
- 16,926
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
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
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!!
