Tim Russert – Man at His Best

Did you know that I am a political junkie?  It started when John Kennedy ran for office and like so many young Americans, we were mesmerized.  There was something so exciting about his vision for the future!  I was so inspired that when I went to Stetson University my major was Political Science.  I was a child of the ’60’s – lived through the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy.  Loved the Beetles and the thought of joining the Peace Corp was a goal. 

Tim Russert and I lived during this same period.  He chose another path to follow.   By the age of 58 he had accomplished so much.  I am not speaking about his lazer sharp interviews, his affable manner, his generosity, his enthusiasm for his work and every aspect of life, his consistency, his broad smile, his kind manner and his unswerving priorities.  I am speaking of his accomplishments that are normally completed later in one’s life.

It was as if he had some inside knowledge to get things accomplished now and not delay. His love for his dad, Big Russ, and the book he wrote was completed so that his Dad could enjoy it and Tim enabled Americans to thank their fathers while time permited.  He did not stop there, and went on to write a second book giving credit where credit was due.

I had no knowledge of Tim Russert’s generosity.  Again, often not enough attention is paid during the prime of one’s life since normally building and accumulating seem higher on a list of goals than sharing.  Not from what I have read about Tim Russert.

His love of his church and sheer exhuberance to gain an audience with the Pope.  He was photographed beaming and with sheer disbelief that a guy from Buffalo wound up in the presence of his Holy Father!

I personally cried when I heard of his death.  “OH NO” I cried.

Sunday morning for a Realtor are treasured. Besides worshiping, it is a great time to have a special breakfast -  pancakes, sausage, fresh fruit, the Sunday paper and Meet the Press.  As a Realtor my calls don’t normally start coming in till noon, so Sundays are sweet and this routine was so comforting.

By the time that Meet the Press started, I was happily feed and enjoying a second cup of tea.  All the second guessing that I had during the week vis a vis political events would have to pass the test of political guests and Tim’s own interpretation which his questions would reveal. 

I know that my Sundays just won’t be the same.  He will forever be the yardstick.  I will think of him often as I pack my car with my files, open house signs and brochures.  I will wonder if my explanations for the real reason versus a good reason will ever be proved true.

GO BILLS!

BB