[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Pages 5191-5192]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          ``STORM IN MY MIND''

  Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I want to speak for a few minutes today 
about a very special young man who has been working in my office as an 
intern over the last months and someone who has shared endless 
enthusiasm with me personally and with my staff, and who has taught a 
great many of us in my office in the extended Kerry political family a 
very important lesson about the ability of individuals to overcome 
learning disabilities and about the power of the human spirit.
  Brendan O'Donnell has a terrific story to tell. He comes from a 
wonderful and loving family that has always encouraged him to set his 
goals high, to pursue his aspirations to the very best of his ability, 
and to refuse to allow any label or characterization of his potential 
to stop him. He is a young man who literally does not give up. 
Brendan's character, his determination, his terrific attitude and 
positive energy that drive his efforts are really something to behold, 
Mr. President. They are, in so many ways, the lasting imprint of his 
father, my friend and the friend of many of us on this side of the 
aisle, the late Kirk O'Donnell, and of his mother, Kathy Holland 
O'Donnell.
  Kirk O'Donnell, many people may recall, was taken from us far too 
young, last year. I think all of us would agree that he left a lasting 
legacy, an imprint on all of our lives. Brendan, of course, will also 
tell you that one of the people who encourages him and gives him such a 
huge amount of confidence is his sister, Holly O'Donnell.
  We have been very lucky to have Brendan on our team these past 
months, and I look forward to continuing for a long time to get to know 
this young man even better.
  Brendan has written a speech for me about a subject that he believes 
is very important, and I agree with him it is. He thinks it is 
important that here in the Senate, and all across the country, in our 
homes, in our schools, that we start talking about the efforts we can 
make together, in partnership with one another, to help those with 
learning disabilities make the most of their own lives.
  Brendan's remarkable achievements are testimony enough to what 
individuals with learning disabilities can achieve. His words on this 
subject, though, are really something special. I would like to share 
with you what Brendan wrote. He said:

       This is an important topic for kids today, kids like me. We 
     should try to talk about learning disabilities and really get 
     the point across--we can all be teachers about this subject. 
     And we should all try to make a difference.
       I think that there should be a different name for learning 
     disabilities. My Mom and I have thought a lot about this, and 
     to me it's not a disability--it's just that I have something 
     which causes a storm in my mind. When I look at something--I 
     have to take my time and take it all in. People need to be 
     understanding and make things clear to me. To do that, 
     though, people need to know more about learning disabilities, 
     whether they're kids or adults.
       People need to know that they should not look down at us. 
     They should try extra hard to be nice to us and not make fun 
     of us. We are the same as everyone else--and if someone takes 
     the time to teach us, to work with us to help us understand, 
     we can do whatever we want.
       Right now I don't think we do enough to help kids with 
     learning disabilities. You don't see enough people with 
     learning disabilities in the best jobs--even though they are 
     bright enough, even though they are talented enough. This 
     needs to change.
       It can happen, I think, if we have really good schools. I 
     went to a high school called RiverView School. When you had a 
     problem, when you needed special attention, they were willing 
     to help.
       Our school did not believe in the kind of tests you put on 
     paper--they thought it was best for us to push and test 
     ourselves, That's what I do every day. I test myself.
       That's why I love to play sports. At our school anyone 
     could play a sport. We had a cross country team, and a 
     basketball team and swimming team and tennis team. And I 
     learned a lot about swimming and trying my best when I played 
     basketball and football.
       And now I want to push myself again. I want to go to 
     cooking school, and learn to be a chef so that some day I can 
     have a restaurant of my own in Massachusetts, in Scituate. 
     It'll be hard to do--but I'll do it.
       I think there needs to be a program where kids with 
     learning disabilities can learn how to do jobs in the real 
     world, like cooking programs and art programs--progams so 
     more kids can be like me. We can all try our best--and we can 
     all do our best--if we help each other and if we care about 
     each other. That's something I think we also need to take 
     about in this country.

  Those are Brendan's words, but I think he speaks for a lot of 
Americans, Americans who don't let anyone put limits on their 
potential, Americans who have dreams and do not give up. I agree with 
Brendan--each of us, in our own personal way, should do all we can to 
help those Americans who get up every day and do their best to overcome 
learning disabilities. And I thank Brendan for making that case better 
than any scientific study ever could.
  I have been lucky to know Brendan O'Donnell, to be inspired by his 
strong will, his good nature, and his work ethic. I am proud of the 
work he has done in my office. I want to offer him my warmest wishes as 
he leaves us to pursue his ambitions. I am looking forward to the day 
when I can go to a restaurant in Scituate and know that Brendan 
O'Donnell is at once the owner and the chef, cooking up lobster and 
oyster for everyone. And I know that day will come because Brendan 
O'Donnell never gives up.
  I yield the floor.
  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I ask consent for 30 seconds?
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I commend my friend and colleague for 
sharing with all of the Senate the really enormously sensitive, 
informed, and wonderful comments of Brendan. I, too, have known this 
young, extraordinary man, and know what a difference he has made in so 
many different lives. He really ought to be commended.

[[Page 5192]]

  Brendan shared with the Senate, with all of us, these very eloquent 
words. I thank my friend and colleague, and join with him in commending 
Brendan and for all he has done, not only for my friend and colleague, 
but for all of those who are facing challenges in the area of learning 
disabilities.
  Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I thank my colleague, Senator Kennedy. I 
particularly want to point out Brendan has just enjoyed his first floor 
privileges and has been able to listen to his own words on the floor of 
the Senate. I think that is a great accomplishment and great thrill for 
him.
  I thank my colleagues, and I yield the floor.

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