By now the world knows of the sudden and heartbreaking passing of the political commentator Tim Russert. MSNBC and the other NBC affiliates have been doing almost nothing but memories of Tim the entire weekend.
It it quite a shock to the news community to have a loss of someone so well known and loved and one of the few people who really seemed to stay fairly neutral in all of his commentary.
But in watching those who knew him and worked with him it was interesting that he seemed to be remembered not only for his great ability to ask the tough questions and be dedicated (sometimes overly) to his job but that he was more so dedicated to his family.
That is not something you typically hear of those in the national news. You hear of the backbreaking travel and hours being worked but just about every single person who talked about Tim stressed his dedication to his son and wife and dad and also to his deep seated faith.
And it wasn't the kind of fanatical faith that most people are typically known for. It wast the type of faith that as people described him as willing to do almost anything to help people succeed. It drove him to work tirelessly, yet keep a smile on his face and encourage others in the same manner. In a couple of interviews I saw this weekend one woman who had worked on NBC and left for CNN a year or so ago remembered how when she came back from maternity leave she had a hand written note from Tim on her desk talking about the beauty of parenthood with some tidbits for her child as well.
Someone described like this is rare, let alone for someone who was part of the 'liberal' media (not my own words, just the general consensus of those who don't work for Fox News). Someones who dedication to their family and their visible faith overwrote any accomplishment they ever had in their professional career.
It makes me almost wish I had been in grad school for journalism in DC and found a way to work at NBC just to have a moment to work for someone described as so.
The world lost a great one, one who's spot may never be filled. And I can only hope that such kind words could be spoken of me when I finally get off this planet.
A somber goodnight,
La. Sra.
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