It is still hard to believe what I saw on the television screen. I was already somewhat distressed because I was watching the television from my mother's hospital room. My family and I had been through some emotional turmoil because of her latest hospital stay but that's not what this post is about.

The culmination of the emotions dredged up from mom's hospitalization, the sudden death of a friend, the impending death of a co-worker battling cancer and the deaths of those Boy Scouts in Iowa were heavy on my heart.

For a brief moment, I told myself that Russert's death could not have been true because surely my fellow political junkie friends would have called me and my brother would have called me also. No matter my  denial; the news was definitely true.

I don't 'know' Tim Russert. Heck, I've never even met the man or read one of his books. I did respect him as a jouranalist and enjoyed watching him at work. I did not agree with everything he said but overall I think he was fair. I'd like to be able to honestly say that about many of the other political jounalists and commentators but I can't.

I will miss Russert on Meet the Press but embedded in the saddness surrounding his transition from the physical world is a fact that should not be overlooked; Tim Russert died doing what he loved. That had to be a blessing to him.

Whoever takes over hosting duties for Meet the Press will have huge shoes to fill. Let Tim Russert's sudden death be a reminder that no day is promised to us. When all is said and done, let us not cling to the sadness of death but to the awesome possibilities that life gives us. 

Peace...Light...Love.

Ashe'.