Missing Tim Russert

You never know how integral a part of your life a person whom you have never met face to face has become until that person suddenly disappears from the scene. [My wife] and I were out shopping and for a meal tonight. We only learned about the death of Tim Russert an hour ago. Both of us shed a few tears as if a close relative had died.

Surrounded by so many phonies on the public scene, Tim Russert was genuine in every facet of his life and of his craft. No politician could bamboozle him without having his bluff called. [My wife] and I watched MEET THE PRESS just about every Sunday. We did not realize until today that he had become a close friend of the family. We'll miss him sorely.