Returning to the Capitol on November 17 for the first time since July, Senator Edward M. Kennedy issued the following statement:
"It’s good to be back in the Senate. I am particularly looking forward to seeing my staff and my colleagues and to working in the current brief session on a realistic new stimulus package to help our fellow Americans who are suffering in this economic crisis.
"I will also continue to lay the ground work for early action by Congress on health reform when President Obama takes office in January. We’ve been making real progress in our discussions about a consensus approach, and I’m optimistic we’ll succeed.
"I am grateful for the prayers and good wishes I’ve received over the past several months. They have certainly lifted my spirits, as has the election of Barack Obama as our 44th President.”
With gratitude to Senator Kennedy's wife, Victoria Reggie Kennedy, the Kennedy Library Foundation shares below Mrs. Kennedy's recent email to friends.
Dear All:What an exciting day. Teddy has returned to the Senate!
The first order of business today was a lunch gathering with his wonderful staff, so I was there -- with Sunny and Splash in tow -- and it was really a joyous occasion. I can't imagine anyone having a better homecoming. He's buoyed and more energized than ever for the rest of the week of meetings with his Senate colleagues.
It was exactly six months ago today that Teddy fell ill, and today marks a new beginning. We feel so blessed. Treatment continues, of course, and as a side effect of the treatment, fatigue remains an unwelcome word in Teddy's vocabulary. But that's just a blip on the screen for us. The big picture is how well he's doing and that he's back, looking forward to passing health care and working with Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States.
Oh, happy day!
Much love,
Vicki