Sen. Kennedy doing 'Remarkably' Well, is Released From Hospital
Wife Vicki Tells Friends in E-Mail Ted Is in Good Spirits, 'Leading Us, as Usual'
"I have always been fascinated by all of the Kennedys -- his brother Jack, Bobby and of course Ted, all their history," said Ledbetter. "I know Ted Kennedy's a fighter, a champion for little people. But I had a hard time believing that he was taking up my cause."
She said she "couldn't believe it" when she heard that Kennedy had an inoperable brain tumor. "The Kennedys, they deal with these tragedies, but they continue to keep working for the rest of us," she said.
Kennedy also has won admiration for being the family's rock in times of sorrow, leading the family's mourning after Robert's assassination in 1968 and John Jr.'s plane crash.
United Farm Workers president Arturo Rodriguez, who has known Kennedy for 30 years, said: "It's hard to understand sometimes why things happen the way they happen."
"But I know he will be an example to all of us, on how to endure something like this, and his family will be an example, too. Despite all the tragedies they have faced through the years, the family has always been there. They have never walked away. I have no doubt they will continue to be there in the future."
And as Vicki told friends, this is only the first inning. "I want you to know that Teddy is in fighting form, and ready to take this on. We're so grateful that you'll be with him along the way."
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