Working Mother Hero

For some reason the death of Eunice Shriver this past week has really had an effect on me. Say what you will about the Kennedy family, but there can be no doubt about their commitment to public service. If you read about the motivation behind this commitment, it lies not in seeking greater recognition or glory for themselves (although they have certainly achieved their share of notoriety), but in a sincere belief that those to whom much has been given have a duty to give back. She is among those rare individuals who live, rather than preach, their faith.

As the family statement announcing her death said, "She set out to change the world and to change us, and she did that and more. [She] taught us by example and with passion what it means to live a faith-driven life of love and service to others.”

Mrs. Shriver is best known for founding the Special Olympics, a program that has affected millions of people and their families around the world. It gives the athletes an opportunity to show a world that underestimates them what they're capable of. I truly believe there is a place in heaven reserved for people like Eunice Shriver and Jean Vanier, people who live their lives in service to those who are so often ignored and isolated. As Lawrence Downes wrote in a editorial today for the NY Times,

"Mentally disabled people don’t catch many breaks. The world isn’t made for children who grow old before they grow up. The slow spread of tolerance hasn’t outraced indignity and neglect. People have always mocked the retarded, especially those who like to take credit for their own intelligence.

But there is one island of inclusion: the Special Olympics. They are the pride and inspiration of millions. They exist because Eunice Shriver, who had a retarded sister she greatly admired, insisted on looking differently at disability. She offered love without pity, a chance to race and win, and to win just by racing."

And let's not forget that Mrs. Shriver did all of this while raising five children, all of whom have continued the Kennedy tradition of public service. Of course, most people know that her daughter, Maria Shriver, is the First Lady of California, but her son, Bobby Shriver has founded the ONE Campaign, and Product (Red). Another son, Anthony, founded Best Buddies International, no doubt influenced by his mother and her commitment to individuals with intellectual disabilities. Her son, Tom Shriver, is currently the head of the Special Olympics.

All in all, she exemplifies what it means to live a life of service. It wasn't about making money, or being powerful. I only hope that my life will have a fraction of the impact Mrs. Shriver's has had and that I can instill the same values of faith and service in my children.