What a terrible shock to hear of the sudden death at age 58 of Tim Russert. I so admired his intelligence and tenacity and was particularly moved by his outward display of love toward his family - and especially for his father, son, and wife. My heart aches for them.
It aches, too, for another loss that occurred under very similar circumstances just about ten years ago.
Having just retired from a long and successful career, my father-in-law to be spent the day playing golf on his favorite course with his best friend. Golf was his passion, and he worked at it - even going so far as to set up a mock driving range inside his garage. (Yes - he was an engineer.)
I have imagined him on that day. His game was good - not great - but good enough for a Tuesday. I don't think he really cared too much about his scores that day, but rather spent the day enjoying time on a beautiful course - his favorite - with his very best friend.
As they walked back to the parking lot after 18-holes of good healthy fun, my father-in-law to be collapsed and died. Heart attack. Widow-maker. Dead - in an instant.
He was 58.
That day, I was busy at work in corporate America when my husband-to-be called me. "Come home now," he said.
"Why? What's going on?" I asked, confused and a little annoyed.
"Just come home now."
Such a terrible shock and still, to this day, an ache. An ache, a sadness, a question mark for all that might have been.
I will miss you, Tim Russert, though I never knew you personally. And I ache your loss for your dear family, who loved you so and who knew, unequivocally, your love for them. Peace to you all.
he will be missed.
Posted by: slouching mom | June 13, 2008 at 10:10 PM
Very sad for Tim Russert's family and friends, and also sorry for your loss. 58 is too young. Much, much too young.
Posted by: Fairly Odd Mother | June 14, 2008 at 07:11 AM
Was sorry to hear that too. Sorry to hear of your loss as well.
Posted by: Motherofbun | June 15, 2008 at 11:52 PM