I was truly shocked to hear the news tonight while watching ABC with Charlie Gibson. I couldn't believe it. He was one of the best, if not THE best. There was nothing I looked forward to more each weekend than this program. It's been part of my Sunday routine for as long as I can remember. I just watched Meet The Press this weekend, and Tim had a recap of this year's Presidential primary. The entire NBC News political team was part of his panel, and you just couldn't ignore his excitement and passion for politics. It's a shame he's not going to be around to cover the elections this November, likely to be one of the most exciting moments in our nation's history. I also feel terrible that his wife and son had to hear the news of his passing while on vacation in Italy. I couldn't imagine what they're going through, learning the news while alone in a foreign country, then having to grieve on that long flight home. Like politics, his son was his other passion, and it's sad that he's going to miss out on so many things in his life. They were all on vacation together, celebrating his son's graduation from Boston College. Tim came back to the states yesterday, leaving his wife and son behind. It's hard to make any sense of this, life, death, etc. But tonight many of Tim's colleagues called him a amazing, gentle man. He was an Irish-Catholic from humble upbringings in Buffalo, New York. He became a success on his own, but never forgot where he came from. He loved children and created many funds, programs, and scholarships to help educate low-income kids and one day send them to college. He also was deeply religious and helped with Catholic charities. If there's anything to make of all this, it's comforting to know that he and his wife were able to celebrate their son's graduation together and vacation in a beautiful country as a family one last time. It was also reported that they attended a special Mass at the Vatican with the Pope. With all of Tim's accomplishments, charitable work, and overall good heartedness, I think God called one of his angel's home. RIP Tim Russert. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.