When I woke up today I noticed that for the first time in a few days the sun was not out.  I then sat down to my computer and learned that Senator Edward Kennedy had passed away at age 77.  I proceeded to go to The New York Times to read his obituary and then, for the first time ever, I started crying while reading an obituary.

I could spend hours or even days telling you in detail all that Senator Kennedy did to make our country a better place (and to earn my tears).  He did so much.  He has been so influential and vital to medicare, minimum wage, immigration, education, voting rights and of course health care.

At the time of his death Seantor Kennedy was chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and working very hard to get health care reform passed. For that reason, instead of telling you the history of Senator Kennedy (the New York Times can do that for you), I urge you to go here and learn what you can do to TakePart in health care reform.

I also encourage you to check out our entire healthcare series Prescription for Reform.  Let’s use the sad passing of a Senate hero to motivate all of us to do what we can to make sure every American has healthcare.

If you need motivation I recommend giving a watch to the video below that includes the Ken Burns edited tribute video from the DNC last year (starts around minute 6) and listen to his powerful speech that follows.

We will miss you Senator Kennedy.  Thanks for everything you did for us.

*photo by SR/Gonzo®