The Hiller Instinct: Kennedy-Shriver's funeral

Before this past week, I've always under-appreciated Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

I wouldn't have, if I knew more about her and I should have. And I take no comfort in thinking I'm not the only one.

For years the public and political face of the Kennedys has been JFK, Bobby and Senator Ted Kennedy, the "Kennedy Trinity."

Now I know Eunice deserves an equal spot in the family's history.

I don't think it's sexism that left her out.

I think it was the emotional connection her brothers made that over-powered her contributions.

But it shouldn't have. Because now we all know Eunice's life may have reflected the values of public service, family and devotion as much, or more, than any other Kennedy.

My admiration for her has nothing to do with her father thinking that in a different time, she might have been the nation's first Catholic President.

Because there are many fathers who think their daughters are special.

But there's only one daughter who was committed and creative enough to establish the Special Olympics, and that was Eunice.

I'm sorry it took Eunice Kennedy Shriver's death for me to learn what I should have known about her, but now that I do know it, I won't forget.

And if someone starts talking about how much the three Kennedys influenced us, I'm going to say, "No, there were four."