Good in the News: Tim Russert

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve no doubt heard that Tim Russert passed away on June 13 at the age of 58. Even if your house isn’t full of politics-junkies like mine is, who TIVO Meet the Press every Sunday morning, and even if you never heard the name “Tim Russert” before his death, surely you have now. You know who he was and what he did in his career. You know the sadness felt by those who knew him and those who watched him at home and abroad. You know the loss, the sadness, the void left by his passing.

So how is it that a story about death at a young age makes it to the “Good in the News” section of this blog? Remember, this blog is all about how to find light through darkness, how to dance in the storm, how to focus on the good things instead of the bad. Let me explain...

At his funeral service, Barack Obama and John McCain, who have been battling it out in the political arena for months on end, sat next to each other, engaged in amicable conversation, as they waited for the service to begin. How many other people could bring the left and the right together, making opposites put aside their differences for a greater purpose? That’s a big accomplishment, that’s good news.

Whether you knew of him or not, when you heard of his passing, did you stop and think, “wow, he was too young!” and hug someone you love just a little bit tighter? Appreciate today a little bit more? Stopping to count your blessings or to show appreciation to someone you love, that’s good news, too.

Mario Cuomo, former governor of New York (for whom Tim Russert once worked) said this: "He regarded a day greeted without real enthusiasm as a sadly lost opportunity." That’s advice we can all benefit from, a lesson we can all learn and share with our children. That’s good news.

Speaking of children, the most important words of the day came from Tim Russert’s own son, 22 year old Luke. “My dad was my best friend," he said. “Tim Russert led with his heart, his compassion and most of all his honor.” These are big statements, powerful statements, proud, loving, wonderful statements. Don’t we all hope and wish and pray that when our time comes, our children remember us that very same way?

To lead with your heart, your compassion and your honor… that is a shining example to set for others. To leave this world a better place than you found it… that is the most we can ask for in our life.

Of course, I didn’t “know” Tim Russert. But I miss him, and I’ve learned something from him: To live a good life, to give what we can, when we can, to whomever we can... to bring people together, to raise amazing, proud children… that is the best sort of legacy we can leave. Tim Russert's passing has reminded me of these lessons, and I hope it reminded others, too. If his passing has provided you any perspective on your own life, on the kind of memories you want to make or the legacy you wish to leave, then that, my friends, is good news.

~*~*~ May you always remember to dance in the rain, and may you have plenty of ladybugs beside you! ~*~*~

Blessings,
Kat