I was watching the news when Tim's passing was announced. It didn't seem real. We welcome these folks into our homes on regularly scheduled visits and we become intimately acquainted with them. This is precisely why I felt so incredibly sad, to the point of tears, when I learned of his passing. His smile and grace are what impressed me the most about Tim. He could take anyone to task, and he did it well, but it was always done with respect and dignity. In the days that followed his passing, I don't remember many times when I've seen such an outpouring of emotion for someone. A man who was so dearly loved by so many. And I believe Tim Russert was fortunate enough to know just how much he was loved while he was with us. I found him to be courageous and gentle and human. Our Sundays will never be the same.

God bless him!