Who Knew…
Posted by VeRonda Wicks August 12th, 2009Why didn’t I know Eunice Kennedy Shriver was the founder and chairperson for the worldwide Special Olympics movement? Isn’t that so random (that I didn’t know, that is…)? I mean, I would never equate the two… anyway, she just passed and obviously all of her contributions are coming out.
I mentioned it to Hubby and a totally surprising conversation started up. Before (like me) he realized what she’d contributed (to sports), he didn’t realize why her death was on random channels, like the sports’ channels. He summed all the publicity up to her family’s dynasty… He felt like people shouldn’t just live off the name without contribution to the name. I could see his point.
When we discovered her contribution, to not only her name (I mean, let’s not kid ourselves, the Kennedy name is synonymous with scandal), but to the world, there was a new found respect for her because of her insight and forward thinking… She maintained that a person’s disability and state of being had nothing to do with a person’s spirit. And, she desired that people with disabilities were included, accepted, and valued.
Now although I feel this was a major sports’ blunder on my part, especially with the pride I have in being a history and knowledge “mini”-buff, I am happy to learn something new (Hubby, too) about such an impact to the sports’ world (FYI, I did know her sister suffered with a disability so now that I think of it, it makes total sense.).
You just never know… Hey, is it just me or has anyone else experienced assuming something (or that they something) about a person, only to realize you were premature in judgment?







August 12th, 2009 at 6:55 am
I think it’s wonderful that she used her family’s name and money for worthwhile charities. So many people in powerful positions just sit around and suck valuable air. Paris Hilton comes to mind…
August 12th, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Hey Aliceson… I think its a great thing too!! Paris Hilton?!? Crack up.
August 13th, 2009 at 4:49 am
The Kennedy family is known for their misfortunes,like in a Greek drama. She was probably the most fortunate one of the family. It was also on Dutch TV.
Thanks for your visit.
August 13th, 2009 at 8:28 am
Yes, she was a mover and a shaker.
August 13th, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Interesting! I worked at a vocational rehab for people with disabilities, so we had lots of Special Olympics medals floating around…
August 14th, 2009 at 9:37 am
Hey Guys!! I’m so glad you visited (and returned)! You all brought up some great points on the Kennedy family, Eunice, and her humanitarian efforts. I’m glad to have been able to learn something new about a part of the sports’ world that is so vital.
Be sure to drop by again and again… I appreciate your comments and you add so much to my site with your thoughts.
August 14th, 2009 at 11:55 am
We need more people like her around!
August 14th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
I did not know much about her. I am glad to know that she did so much with her wealth and influence. We are a better society because of her life… good looking out!
August 15th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Hey Lisa and Doug! You’re right. We need more people in the world who see a need and then make things happen. A better society we are, indeed.
August 19th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
I was surprised to hear it too; it was a refreshing piece of information. I think that they said that one of the children were disabled and that this is why she focused on it after a trip to where the daughter was attending a camp.
August 20th, 2009 at 1:04 am
Hi!! Man, isn’t this a great story? I’m a fan of great surprise stories…
September 3rd, 2009 at 2:03 pm
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