A Cup Raised to a Great Lady
The right to play on any playing field? You have earned it.
—Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
I was so terribly saddened this morning to read the news of Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s passing. Sister to a President, an Attorney General, and a legendary state senator; aunt to a host of political hopefuls; and mother of California’s First Lady—these were her accomplishments by mere accident of birth. She could have stood on those things alone and still managed to stand out in the public pantheon.
But instead, Eunice Kennedy Shriver carved out her own niche, dedicating her life to public service, and serving as a tireless advocate for the mentally disabled. As the founder of the Special Olympics, she raised millions of dollars to fund initiatives that benefitted mentally disabled children and adults, and more importantly, she raised awareness. Through her work, she helped erase the stigmas and isolation that had long plagued the mentally challenged in this country.
The Special Olympics grew from a free summer day camp on Mrs. Kennedy-Shriver’s Maryland farm, Timberlawn. There—spurred on by the joy and growth her own mentally disabled sister Rosemary drew from athletics—she encouraged physical outlets as a means of promoting a sense of self worth with campers. The concept blossomed into the idea of a summer festival, which became the first summer games in Chicago in 1968. Four decades later, the Special Olympics draw attention and millions of participants from across the world—150 countries—and provide a global stage upon which dreams are realized and potential is plumbed.
So this morning, as I sit here in my favorite bay window seat, writing to you, my cup of Oregon Chai is raised in toast to a great lady. For more information on her, or to find out how you can pitch in as a Special Olympics volunteer, visit www.specialolympics.org.
Meantime, this great lady and her life’s work has me stopping to ponder other influential women who have opened doors for the rest of us. Some of them are familiar names—from Abigail Adams to Sojourner Truth to Sally Ride and Oprah Winfrey. Still others, like my late mother, are personal heroes whose triumphs were perhaps smaller in scale, but no less dear to our hearts. Who are those women for you? Share with all of us!
Cheers,
OregonChaiMama