A Fathers Day Story

Sunday, June 21,2009 is a day which we will celebrate in the U.S. as Fathers' Day. Fathers' Day may be a time set aside to show appreciation to fathers, but it is also a time for fathers to reflect on their own roles and the blessings of fatherhood. I have been privileged to be the father of four sons. My greatest reward in life has been to be part of my sons lives from birth into adulthood, to see them grow and be successful, and to become fathers themselves. To know the love of family and grandchildren has given great meaning to my life.

A little more than a year ago, on Friday, June 13th, we lost a man I greatly admired. He was Tim Russert, the NBC Washington Bureau Chief and Moderator of Meet The Press. I seldom missed his Sunday morning broadcasts where he interviewed people in the news, including political figures. He was always even handed while getting information the public wanted to hear. His panel discussions were always interesting.

Tim Russert authored two books in his last few years, Big Russ and Me, and Wisdom of Our Fathers. I have read both books and have them in my library. Big Russ and Me is about Tim growing up and his relationship with his father. It was on the best seller list for over a year. The second book, Wisdom of our Fathers, was written in response to the overwhelming letters he received from those who had read Big Russ and Me and wanted to talk about their fathers. Many of their stories are part of this second book. I was emotionally touched by both these books as I couldn't help reflecting back on my own fatherhood as well as my own father who also died at a very young age.

Tim Russert died at age 58 of a sudden heart attack. His father, Big Russ, is still living at age 89, but is now in an Assisted Care facility. Tim and his wife, Maureen, had recently gone with son, Luke, on a vacation trip to Rome to celebrate his Luke's graduation from Boston College. Tim had just returned and was preparing for his Sunday Fathers' Day broadcast when he was stricken. Tim was a great sports fan, especially the Buffalo Bills, Buffalo being the city where he grew up.

A good man, a good father, and a good son. May he rest in peace.

Happy Fathers Day