Maria Shriver talks about her mom at Women's Conference
The Women's Conference is going on today in Long Beach and our own Mary Forgione, escorting a group of young women, is there. Here's her dispatch:
Maria Shriver gave a deeply personal and moving speech today, mostly about her ailing mom, Eunice Kennedy, and her own path to self-enlightenment. Speaking at a lunch session, she described the many strokes her mother has suffered this year, and about the resulting breakthrough in their personal relationship.
During one recent stay in a hospital's intensive-care unit, Maria, 52, did something she had never done before — got into bed and snuggled with her mother. She spoke of taming the fears in her life, such as the fear of losing her mom, and her uncle, Sen. Ted Kennedy, who has brain cancer. She also touched on the agonizing decision to endorse Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton.
Shriver said there's a difference between being fearless, which she characterized as something akin to foolhardy, and to being free of fear.
Earlier today at the annual conference, Warren Buffett grabbed the spotlight when he jokingly (we assume) asked political talk-show host Chris Matthews whether he would be willing to have a sex-change operation to become a woman. As for Matthews' willingness to become a woman, no direct answer was given.
—Veronique de Turenne
Photo: Getty Images
What an amazing speech Maria Shriver gave. I don't think there was a dry eye in the arena. It was extraordinary how Maria opened up and shared about some very, very personal issues. Hearing her open up gives women and men the courage to do the same. Bravo Maria.
Posted by: Guy with hat | October 22, 2008 at 08:25 PM
I was deeply moved and inspired by Maria's honesty and candor during her speech. She is a role model to me. The entire event was moving, and I plan on going again next year. Great job to all the guest speakers! Your authenticity came through loud and clear!
Posted by: 1st Time Attendee to the Women's Conference | October 23, 2008 at 09:22 AM
Any one know if you can get recordings of these speeches/sessions?
Posted by: Chantel Cooley | October 23, 2008 at 11:41 AM
all of the speeches can be found on the californiawomen.org site.
Posted by: minerva leadership attendee | October 23, 2008 at 01:35 PM
Maria's speech was extraordinary! She talks of extraordinary women and gives the Minerva Awards to others; however, she is truly extraordinary and authentic! Her speech had us all looking for the tissue.
As Gloria Steinheim stated- she should run for Office! She has my vote!
Posted by: K | October 23, 2008 at 02:13 PM
Where might I find a FULL printed version of Maria Shrivers speech? Actually, all of the speakers - printed version..
Posted by: steph | October 28, 2008 at 09:43 AM