There are some things that one definitely remembers in life, especially where you may have been when something surprising happens. My memories have just expanded. JFK's assignation, moon landing, John Lennon's killing, the Twin Towers, my own father's death and now Tim Russert. Maybe the reason is because, of course, they were all shocking events that you would never think would happen.
When I walked in yesterday (6-13-08) from walking my dog and saw a distraught Angela Mitchell on the TV explaining the sudden death of Tim Russert; my instant reaction was - it just can't be. Now, I like many others did not know him personally but felt he was a friend. Maybe because I am a first generation son of a hardworking immigrant. Like Big Russ my dad work hard all his life and never complained. I always wondered why - and I think it was because he just was happy and lucky to be in this great country. So I know and feel when Big Russ would say "What a country".
I also am a father of two. A beautiful girl, well young lady know, and a strapping boy. They, like Tim's Luke are the apples of my eye. Of course there is my lovely wife. Loyal to all my faults and a person who grounds me.
Maybe that is why I identify with Tim Russert. He is just like one of the guys that I hung around with and grew up with in my hometown of Trenton, NJ. A guy who no matter how successful he became was still one of the gang. I truly feel I lost a friend.
What will I do in honor of Tim. Well I will hug my children a little harder. Kiss my wife one more time. And visit my father's grave and tell him how much I love him. God be with you Tim....
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