Late last night, America lost Sen. Edward Moore Kennedy.

I hardly ever wake up during the night, but last night I woke up at about 2:30am and read the news on my Blackberry. I couldn’t get back to sleep – my head was reeling with personal memories, as well as the sheer impact that Sen. Kennedy’s loss will have on the country and the world.

However, at about 3:30am, I slowly drifted back to sleep, contemplating Teddy Kennedy’s epic role in American society and picturing the scene up in Hyannis Port, his family gathered around him, saying their final goodbyes. Then, I began to think past the earth…

Whether you believe in heaven or not, there is something really comforting about the thought of Teddy, Jack and Bobby sitting on a cloud, carefree, somewhere in the heavens, sipping on a cold summer drink. Those three have a lot to catch up on…

Rest in peace, Teddy Kennedy.

Here are some of my favorite Kennedy moments via YouTube:

Ted Kennedy Returns to the Senate Floor, July 9, 2008:

Democratic National Convention, August, 2008:

Ted Kennedy Endorses Barack Obama, January 28, 2008:

Ted Kennedy introduces John Kerry during Iowa Caucuses in January, 2004:

Ted Kennedy victory speech in November, 1994:

The Dream Will Never Die, Democratic National Convention, 1980:

More: Associated Press – Kennedy: Always in the public spotlight

that Republican U.S. Rep. Charlie Norwood of Georgia has died after a long battle with cancer. He was 65 years old. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and staff.

TIME.com:

He was not only an accidental President but a famously and endearingly accident-prone one as well. Fate evidently had elaborate designs on Gerald Rudolph Ford and fulfilled them on the world’s stage in a dazzling combination of high pomp and low slapstick.

He was the nation’s first appointed Vice President, chosen in October 1973 by President Richard Nixon under the terms of the recently ratified 25th Amendment to succeed the disgraced Spiro Agnew. Less than a year later, on Aug. 9, 1974, Nixon resigned rather than face a Senate trial on three articles of impeachment passed by the House of Representatives, and Ford took the oath to be the 38th President of the U.S.

Read More…

I’ll update this post as more statements come in on the passing of America’s 38th President.

Betty Ford on the passing of her husband, President Gerald Ford:

My family joins me in sharing the difficult news that Gerald Ford, our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather has passed away at 93 years of age. His life was filled with love of God, his family and his country.

President Bush on the passing of President Ford:

Laura and I are greatly saddened by the passing of former President Gerald R. Ford. President Ford was a great American who gave many years of dedicated service to our country. On August 9, 1974, after a long career in the House of Representatives and service as Vice President, he assumed the Presidency in an hour of national turmoil and division. With his quiet integrity, common sense, and kind instincts, President Ford helped heal our land and restore public confidence in the Presidency. The American people will always admire Gerald Ford’s devotion to duty, his personal character, and the honorable conduct of his administration. We mourn the loss of such a leader, and our 38th President will always have a special place in our Nation’s memory. On behalf of all Americans, Laura and I offer our deepest sympathies to Betty Ford and all of President Ford’s family. Our thoughts and prayers will be with them in the hours and days ahead.

Nancy Reagan on the passing of President Ford:

I was deeply saddened this evening when I heard of Jerry Ford’s death. Ronnie and I always considered him a dear friend and close political ally. His accomplishments and devotion to our country are vast, and even long after he left the Presidency he made it a point to speak out on issues important to us all. I know that his early support of stem cell research has been important in getting the U.S. Congress to debate the potential lifesaving cures and treatments that may result. I know the days ahead will be very difficult for Betty and my love and deepest sympathy go out to her and the entire Ford family.

President Clinton on the passing of President Ford:

Gerald Ford brought Americans together during a difficult chapter in our history with strength, integrity, and humility. All Americans should be grateful for his life of service; he served our nation well. To his great credit, he was the same hard-working, down-to-earth person the day he left the White House as he was when he first entered Congress almost 30 years earlier. We were honored to know President Ford. We are saddened by his death, and our prayers are with Betty and the entire Ford family.