I spent all day today at an “unconference” for new librarians, so I didn’t hear the news about Tim Russet until I arrived home.  Though I’m not a political junkie I had watched “Meet the Press” on occassion, and I liked Russet’s style; the way he got his difficult and direct questions in with a sense of dignity for both himself and the interviewee.  His approach was so unlike many other loud, adversarial political interviewers.  So I was sad to hear that he died today at 58, probably from a heart attack, suddenly and without notice.

I immediately wondered about his family.  Turns out he had just left his wife and son in Italy where they had all been celebrating the son’s graduation from college.  I know just how that son feels, the disbelief when you’re told your dad is dead, which can’t be true, given you’ve just seen him, spoken to him.  How it’s obvious to you  that they have the wrong guy.  How you stubornly hold onto that view point until even you have to believe the terrible truth.

Sudden and unexpected death may be easier for the person who has left, but it’s such a difficult thing for those of us left behind.  My heart goes out to this young man who faces the future without his dad, especially on this Father’s Day.