August 26, 2009 was a day I had hoped and prayed would never come. It was the day when the good Lord took my dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy, away from us after a courageous and valiant fight against brain cancer. My heart weeps at the loss of my best friend in the Senate, and for Ted’s wife, Vicki, his family, and the Senate that he served so ably.

President John F. Ken-nedy was fond of quoting the biblical passage that tells us: “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” (Luke 12:48, KJV) When I think of that passage, I think of the life, career, and accomplishments of my dear friend and colleague, Senator Edward Kennedy.

When Ted Kennedy came to the Senate in 1962, much had already been given to him. He had been born into a wealthy and remarkably talented family. His father had been an Ambassador to England. One of his brothers had been President of the United States. Another brother was the Attorney General of the United States.

Throughout his career, Senator Kennedy believed in a simple premise: that our society’s greatness lies in its abilityingness to provide for its less fortunate members. Whether striving to increase the minimum wage, ensuring that all children have medical insurance, or securing better access to higher education, Senator Kennedy always cared deeply for those whose needs exceeded their political clout.

Unbowed by the terrible sorrows that had fallen upon his family, his spirit continued to soar, and he continued to work to make his dreams a reality. Neither years of age nor years of political combat, nor his illness, diminished the idealism and energy of this talented and intelligent man.

The institution that he served so ably will be diminished without his voice of eloquence and reason. I know that the people of the great state of West Virginia join me in expressing our heartiest condolences to the Kennedy family and to the people of Massachusetts who have lost an extraordinary public servant. Ted, my dear friend, I will miss you dearly.