Tim Russert died, and I was shaken to my core. I thought it was odd I felt so affected, mainly because I’m not a fan of Russert’s work and didn’t watch his show. I never understood why anyone considered him anything less than the reigning softball champion and “Meet the Press” to me, usually meant, “Watch the Press Listen to the Spin.” I was also bothered by a lot of the pettiness he brought to the Clinton/Obama battle of late.  So, why should I care, beyond normal human compassion, that the man died?

He had a heart attack, didn’t he, a friend of mine just reminded me. Yeah, Tim Russert, after a clean stress test and while suffering a coronary diagnosis, he wasn’t supposed to be in danger. But he died, nonetheless, suddenly and surprisingly.

See, of late he was more than a newsman. I didn’t read any of it but I did admire Russert’s belief’s in fatherhood. He wrote a book or two on the subject and was, I heard he was teased or even mocked for how sentimental he was on the subject. How much he loved being a dad.

I know the feeling.

The bus that flattened Mr. Russert yesterday morning had my name on it last September. That’s why I’m pensive, I think. But it’s not just that. This experience, surviving, I mean,  makes you take stock of the tiny things. Someone else not surviving makes me think of the big things.  The guy is leaving behind a son he cherished and a wife he adored. He leaves a professional legacy too, and you can read all about that stuff anywhere you like. TV news lost a giant, but his family lost a dad.

Happy Father’s Day Tim and sincere condolences to your family.

From my family.

Tags: Misc