Thursday, August 13, 2009

Saint Eunice

You know I love to talk about saints from ages past - but today I want to honor one that just left us this week, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, (7/10/1921 - 8/11/2009.) This was a woman who had a dream and didn't let anyone or anything stand in the way of seeing it to fruition. What a role model for the rest of us. Here is an excerpt from a statement released by the family:

"Inspired by her love of God, her devotion to her family, and her relentless belief in the dignity and worth of every human life, she worked without ceasing - searching, pushing, demanding, hoping for change. She was a living prayer, a living advocate, a living center of power. She set out to change the world and to change us, and she did that and more. She founded the movement that became Special Olympics, the largest movement for acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities in the history of the world. Her work transformed the lives of hundreds of millions of people across the globe, and they in turn are her living legacy."

Whatever your dream, pursue it. Believe in possibility.

photo from Washington Post, 1965. from Josh

5 comments:

Roma said...

That's beautiful. Thank you for that. She had an amazing life.

Unknown said...

I want to change the world's ignorance to abuse and the effects of it!

Jill @ Sneaky Momma said...

She was a very special lady. I love reading about how she founded the Special Olympics.
Thank you for sharing this. :)

Linda said...

The contributions Eunice Shriver made to the world of disabilities cannot be achieved in few words or even when they speak her eulogy. I have worked with individuals with disabilities for over 20 years and presently care for 45 year old man diagnosed with a developmental disability. I have seen first-hand the benefits of Special Olympics and so glad that Eunice believed every human being has a place in this world and has value.

Ruth Hull Chatlien said...

This is a lovely tribute. Thank you.