The nation stopped for a moment today because Ted Kennedy was ill.

It didn’t make any difference what your political party was, you couldn’t help but care for Sen. Ted Kennedy when you heard the news, a man who has served as a senator for the second longest period of time in our nation, a man who has endured more grief than one needs, one who has served as a father to two of his slain brothers’ children and one who has served this nation with distinction.

We have lived through the trials and tribulations of the Kennedy’s — Joseph, Jack, Bobby, John Jr., Ted’s plane crash, his misadventure at Chappaquiddick and all the misguided adventures of the family as a whole — but we identify with their contributions and service to this country even though many may disagree with their left wing politics.

We have wept with them, while perhaps others have slept with them, but we understand and are compassionate with a family that has had more grief than most. But we can never forget their public service to this country and the good they have provided for many.

We wish Sen. Kennedy well in his recovery period, understand what he has done for this country in his way; he is a patriot and means well for the liberal cause he is fighting for.

We wish him a speedy recovery and welcome his Irish face back to the Senate floor continuing to do what he does best for this nation.