If it's Sunday...

I have been so shocked to learn of Tim Russert's death today. He was such a great person, a person with incredible joie de vivre and always with that huge smile on his face. Pat Buchanan referred to him, today, as part of the "furniture of our lives." This is a truly apt description. What will our Sunday mornings be without Tim? What will our news be without him popping in from time to time providing the wisdom that only he possesses? What will life be like without his lovely jovial face on the television?

I credit Tim with my own rapturous political knowledge. When I was interning at MTP and I was first brought into Tim's office, he asked me about me, and I said I was a student at Williams. He jokingly replied, "Williams? Isn't that where Bill Bennett went?" I was horrified, because I had no idea who Bill Bennett was. I was totally embarrassed to be in this giant's office and not be able to get his joke! So it was explained to me who Mr. Bennett is, and I vowed never again to let such a thing happen. I now know who Bill Bennett is, and I know more about the contemporary American political scene than anyone really should. Thank you, Tim.

I also won't forget having the privilege of using Tim's season tickets at Camden Yards in Baltimore. He was justa truly nice and giving person, and I got great seats at a baseball game because of his generosity.

I was so surprised when, upon visiting Nantucket a few years back, I found Tim's private telephone number in the phone book. He had no ego. He had no pretense. He was just a regular guy made good, and I think that was ever so beautifully shown in his published telephone number.

I will miss you, Tim. We will all miss you. It is cruel, so very cruel that this has happened on Father's Day weekend. Fatherhood was of such great importance to you that there has to be some cruel message in this. Rest in Peace, Tim.

If it's Sunday, It's Meet the Press.