A True American Hero (of sorts) -- Goodbye to Tim Russert

On my way home from graduation, I talked to my mom on the phone. Before we signed off, she told me that one of my "news guys" died. I was in shock. We were just going to watch Countdown with Keith Olbermann, so we tuned in and it was just so sad to hear the news.

We finally turned it off because it was heartbreaking. We listened to quite a bit and it was so sad to hear everyone talk about how much he will be missed, how much everyone loved him, and how it won't be the same without him. We didn't even watch his Sunday morning show, but he's been there, on tv, guiding the American people through the crazy sea of politics for so many years. He wanted to engage people in the political debate and to educate them. It is a crucial role.

At first, I felt so silly for getting emotional and tearing up over someone I didn't even know. But then I thought about it further, and thought... isn't it interesting how we can feel such sadness for someone we never knew personally? I think that is a testament to the fact that you never know how many lives you touch, who you inpsire, or how many people care about you. It is an amazing thing to consider. I'm sure that his family will take a tiny bit of solace in knowing that millions of viewers are mourning along with them.

It is also a reminder that you never know how much time you have, so make it count.