Tim Russert dead at 58 years old. I was just watching him the other day on the news and noticed that he was not looking good. His death has given me much pause. I use to work at NBC many years ago. I did not personally know him, but he is leaving this world far too early. My father died at age 55 similar to him -suddenly and without warning. My dad was in the hospital for a hernia operation when he had a heart attack. Russert had just spend time in Italy with his only son. It was a graduation present. Before my father passed, we had spend a few days together in Phoenix. He helped me when I had relocated there to start a new job. I remember hugging my father before he boarded the plane back to New York. That was a rare thing in our relationship - I don't think we ever said we loved each other, ever. It would be the last time I would see him. Months later I received a call from someone that worked for my father telling me my father was dead. I can truly empathize when Russert's son, Luke, got a similar call.What also makes me reflect on Russert's sudden death are my experiences these past three weeks trying to pass the damn DOT physical. I was almost hospitalized twice, have had both very negative and extremely positive "meetings" with 4 doctors, had my blood pressure taken too many times and have pissed in more little Dixie cups than anyone should have to do. I have been this close (picture my thumb and index finger about 1/2 an inch apart) to giving up being a truck driver. I was placed on a series of very powerful meds to prevent a heart attack and stroke. I have spent too much time thinking about my possible demise on the road away from home.
And so, Russert, a hard working aggressive competitive 58 year old man with a son and a wife dies suddenly of a heart attack in his office. I have to wonder what his medical history was. Did he not take his meds? Were they the right ones? Did he see his doctor regularly? What was his blood pressure and cholesterol? Did some moron of doctor call him morbidly obese and he chose not to act on it? Did he exercise? What was his diet? Why couldn't his doctor see this coming? Was Russert too much of an "A" type personality?
We probably will never know the answers to these questions. But, as I drove to pick up my wife from work today, and heard the special report about Russert's death, it really hit home. Maybe there is a some reason for good people dying young, but right now, I don't know what it is. I have never felt the religion folks - priests, rabbis, etc. ever have given us a good explanation for it.
My personal jury is still out on whether or not to remain in trucking. It has for sure, not made me any healthier, but it pays the bills. At least while I'm still alive.
The photo credit is http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A9G_bF7XKVNI80AAsUKjzbkF/SIG=11ng2knj4/EXP=1213496151/**http%3A//www.fjg.com/fssp/tim_russert
