JFK and Thanksgiving

The last 10 days have been an emotional roller coaster, heightened by the fact that Thanksgiving is just six days away.

Today marks the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy's death, yet just 10 days ago, Jeanne and I were celebrating with my cousin Caroline Kennedy as she was sworn in as ambassador to Japan. A few hours later, there was a wonderful reception at the Japanese Embassy. Caroline looked beautiful and her husband Ed and son Jack were proud onlookers.

I never met my Uncle Jack. My mom was six months pregnant with me when he died. But I knew his wife and two kids very well.

Much has been written about him but when all is said and done, I think his most important legacy, like it is for the rest of us, is his children. I know Uncle Jack would be proud of all that Caroline has done for New York City, for kids in public education, for the arts, and for the Kennedy Library. Now on behalf of all Americans, she has taken on the role as Ambassador to Japan. But I can't help but think that he would be most proud of who Caroline is as a person, especially her relationship with Ed and their three kids.

Caroline has always helped me whenever I have asked -- from appearing at political fundraisers when I was in elected office, to helping at Save the Children events, she has never said no. She is perhaps the wittiest person I know and her emails often leaving me laughing out loud in my office.

I miss both of my parents terribly every day but especially as we approach Thanksgiving. We always came together as a family for that holiday, playing capture the flag and touch football and laughing a lot. I will miss that again this year but I am going to focus, today and next week, on what I am truly thankful for: Jeanne, our three kids, family like Caroline who make me laugh and who remind me of all the good in life, and friends like you.

I hope that your Thanksgiving is filled with family and friends and lots of love and laughter.