Rep. Kennedy: Dad's illness has united family

[babylonsister]

Rep. Kennedy: Dad's illness has united family

By ANDREW MIGA
Associated Press Writer


WASHINGTON (AP) -- Rep. Patrick Kennedy says there's been an unexpected bright side to his father's grim battle with terminal brain cancer because the family has been able to spend more time with the stricken senator in recent months.

The congressman and son of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday that he considers it a great gift his father has survived longer than his doctors have expected.

"It's been a chance for us to bond and be together and share a special time together that we would never have had together had he been taken from us," said Kennedy, D-R.I. "That's a big gift. (It) let us have the chance to tell him how much we love him. And him to be there to hear it."

Kennedy said he's spent most days this summer with his father sitting on the porch of their oceanside home in Hyannis Port, Mass., sharing old stories about family, friends and politics.

"In a different sense, it has been a very joyous time because we have had so much more time than any of the doctors had predicted," Kennedy said.

Kennedy spoke shortly after attending a White House ceremony where President Obama awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to his 77-year-old father and several others. Kennedy's sister Kara accepted the award on behalf of the senator, who remained in Hyannis Port.

"I was brought to tears," the congressman said.

more...

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_KENNEDY_CANCER?SITE=CONGRA&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[SoFlaJet]

1. "In a different sense, it has been a very joyous time because we have had so much more time than any

of the doctors had predicted," I didn't realize that Ted was about to go you know? I figured he'd be back next month to vote on health care reform. Wow.

[babylonsister]

2. I'm gathering he's pretty sick. He hasn't been anywhere near the

Senate (Sotomayor vote) and missed the awards ceremony yesterday. His sister did die, so that might have also made a difference, but it doesn't sound good. I'm glad the family has this time together and are cherishing it.

[SoFlaJet]

4. and without his vote Sis

and the crazy shit we heard from Grassley yesterday it's looking more and more to me anyway that reconciliation is the way to go on HC next month-no WAY we get 60 votes

[malaise]

5. Doctors don't like people with brain tumors flying

That pressure has taken out more than a few brain tumor patients.

He is ill but flying may actually make it worse.

[Frustratedlady]

6. I'll lay money on the table that if it is at all possible,

Ted Kennedy will be on the floor if they have to carry him in on a stretcher, if and when there is a vote on health care. That may be enough to sway the vote, too.

I just hope he has that opportunity. But, we have to remember that these protestors hate Ted as much as they do Obama. They only forgive Christian Repugs. for their indiscretions.

[malaise]

3. The hardest part of the article is

the 12- 15 months estimate of survival. That suggests that Teddy does not have much longer.

[global1]

8. Do You Think This Is Why Obama Wanted This Done Before The August Recess &......

the Repugs wanted to push it beyond? They didn't want Kennedy to be around for the vote.

I hope he shows them and is there on the Senate floor to shove it in their faces.

[malaise]

10. Yep

Fugg all Rushicans and fugg the Blue Dawgs as well

[frazzled]

7. "Than any of the doctors predicted" . . .

I can attest to that via a coincidence that occurred during the fall election season. We had signed up to canvas for Obama and were being sent to Jackson, Michigan (a 3 1/2 hour drive from our Chicago residence). We offered to take two more people in our car. They turned out to be a surgical oncologist and his friend, a former nurse.

Somehow Ted Kennedy's name came up during the long drive, and this doctor stated that Kennedy, given what he knew of his specific diagnosis, would not be around for the inauguration. As head of surgical oncology at a large public hospital, his opinion must certainly have reflected that of the field. What was not, perhaps, counted in was this unique person's strength and will to hold on.

I just feel so badly that he cannot be present to complete his life-work--universal health care for all Americans. We should fight as hard as Teddy to complete his task for him, in his absence.

How about some "Do It for Teddy" rallies, everyone.

[karynnj]

9. In addition to his family having this important opportunity,

the democratic party and the Senate have as well. It was fantastic that Kennedy was present at the wonderful tribute for him at the convention.