Eunice Kennedy Shriver is – I believe - the greatest American woman and heroine our generation has known.

Her life’s work has touched more people than any other person I know. Her family’s work through Special Olympics, Best Buddies, Peace Corps, and on and on is truly exemplary.

I first met Mrs. Shriver as a student at Georgetown back in 1976. I am friends with her sons and daughters and husband and entire family but it is Mrs. Shriver who is the rock of the family. She is the woman who always makes you feel like you are the most important person in the world when you are talking to her and the woman who inspires you with her words and actions.

She has touched the lives of my children as well. My son wrote his thesis in high school on her life and times and she sat for a long in-depth interview with him. He still talks about that day at her home all of the time. He felt like he was a participant in history. She treated him like she treated everyone with respect and with humility.

My daughter has framed in her bedroom a long hand-written personal letter from Mrs. Shriver where she offered my daughter personal advice about life, family matters and public service. It is truly touching that Mrs. Shriver cared that much about a young woman of 12 years of age to compose such an honest and personal letter. She is truly a woman of grace, style and compassion.

Mrs. Shriver is in the news today as her health is failing. We are all praying for her recovery.

When my dad passed away, Anthony Shriver came to my aid and offered much solace and compassion. I will never forget that gesture on his behalf.

Mrs. Shriver is a true role model and truly the greatest woman I have ever met. A good friend of mine, David Gang, has been working on a website to celebrate her life and times. I proudly request that you click here to understand the depth of Mrs. Shriver’s work and the great history embedded in her life and times. It is time to celebrate her life.