This weekend, I knew I would write about Tim Russert.  It came as an enormous shock to hear about his untimely death on Friday.  Carolyn knew it would impact me… we are NBC News regulars.  We record Meet the Press every week.  Seemed like I always found myself waiting for Russert’s summary of this political breaking news item or that.  He had the ability to clarify, simplify.  Like “Florida, Florida Florida.”  I’ll have to stop by the Smithsonian to see the white board next time I’m in DC.

So this weekend, I downloaded “Big Russ and Me,” the audio version of his best-seller (iTunes audiobooks), and was pleased to discover that he read the text for the project.  I cued it up, and on this morning’s twenty-five miler, I caught the first hour or so of the book.  It’s haunting now that he’s gone.  It’s an amazing gift to his father, and his son, Luke.  And it’s an amazing gift to those of us who value the role.

It reminded me so much of my own father.  Russert is two years younger then me.  His dad about the same age as mine.  As I pedalled away on this beautiful Sunday morning, the emotion welled up on this Father’s day as Russert, in his own familiar voice, talks about his dad.

So I commend the book to you.  I’m certain you’ll enjoy the hard copy.  But as for me, the audio version, in Tim’s voice, is more than worth the price of admission.

And when you’re done… write your Dad a note.

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