“Tim Russert Drops Dead, Killed By a Massive Heart Attack”
With the unexpected death of Tim Russert today we again experience the shocking fact…Life is fragile.
The “Grim Reaper” eventually comes for us all. It does not matter who you are, where you are, what you are doing, how rich or poor, famous or infamous, healthy or sick, happy or sad.
With Tim Russert’s many years as a reporter and political commentator, he had the ability to ask hard questions that made many individuals squirm in their seats as they tried to distort the truth to match their political position. He was a great journalist who inspired many up and coming writers.
The big question is, “Who will replace this amazing man?”
After listening to all the TV commentators today, the thing that stands out is their “SHOCK and DESPAIR” at his sudden death. When someone of Tim’s stature dies so suddenly, it gives everyone pause. Those who knew him are forced to consider what will happen to them when they die, suddenly or agonizingly slow.
“Is there an after life?”
“Does God really exist?”
“Are there any moral absolutes?”
“Is there judgment for our sins and rewards for righteousness?”
“Were the Ten Commandments commands or merely ten suggestions?”
These are timeless questions. I think most of us do everything we can to not think about these issues.
From my recent experience of my dad’s death April 30th, 2008, one of the huge blessings of taking care of dying parents is your forced daily reality, “Is this the last day here on earth?”
It is a little frightening to realize that there is no guarantee we will live one second longer than the people we are caring for, who are involved in the death process. I believe that it is only the grace of God that gives us time to ponder our lives and search for true meaning…perhaps salvation or even sanctification.
I used to think that when a person drops dead suddenly, “What a catastrophe!”
After taking care of my mom for the last 3 years and dad 4, and watching their gradual decline, loss of personal freedom and inevitable descent into the hell of terminal sickness, now my perspective has changed.
It is easier to say, “What a blessing to escape the long term suffering of a long and drawn out death. Thank God his family was spared the years of sorrow and daily suffering and grief.”
We can rejoice with Tim that he miraculously went from earth to heaven instantly and is now experiencing the rewards of a life well-lived and a career that brought light to a world of constant darkness.
In his books you see his love for his dad and reliance on the true moral values and ethical code instilled in him by his father, Big Russ…the attitude and code that made this country great. I felt the same way about my mom, dad and uncle.
What a sad day when we experience the loss of another shinning light and brilliant intellect that knew the difference between good and evil, who appreciated the great contribution of his parents’ generation.
Tim was a great orator and interviewer who always worked hard to focus the hard light of truth on the world of darkness where political correctness, moral expediency and an all out attack on the religious foundation of this country has destroyed much of what Tim’s parents created and passed on to his generation.
After spending so much time on the video eulogies for my mom and dad and Uncle Jerry, who recently passed away, I pondered long and hard on the values and optimism of my parents generation. The most poignant part of the eulogies were the 21 gun salute, taps, the folding of the military flag and its presentation with the solemn words by a soldier, “On behalf of the President of the United States and a grateful nation, our country’s flag is presented as a token of appreciation for many years of faithful service.”
Filled with sadness for his grieving family, Big Russ, his dad, wife Maureen and son Luke, I just wanted to say you are in my prayers.
take care,
ralph
PS Photos and videos when merged together in a powerful story can inspire, enlighten, uplift, entertain and bring tears to your eyes. I have uploaded my tribute to my mom and dad and also my dad’s brother Jerry Zuranski.
This video is a celebration of the lives of my mom and dad who were both in the Air Force During World War II. My mom was a flight nurse and my dad was a bombardier in the “B-26 Widow Maker bombers,” so-called because close to 75% of the men who flew in this unforgiving stubby winged aircraft with monstrous engines were killed by the anti-aircraft fire, enemy fighters, equipment failure and miserable, often times impossible weather conditions.
My dad even survived the crash of his bomber in France on the way back from a mission. He was found 500 yards from the crash site. When the plane hit, the glass dome in the nose of the airplane disintegrated upon impact.
My dad became an unwilling, unidentified flying object. Even now I believe he was caught by angels who minimized his injuries. It was a miracle he survived.
Both of my mom and dad received military honors. The flag on my dad’s casket is something I will cherish as long as I live and remember the courage of my parents’ generation and their service to this country.
Video Tribute To My Mom and Dad
I had the privilege of creating a video celebration of their lives that I have posted on youtube.com for your enjoyment and inspiration. Sometimes you don’t realize how proud you are of family members and friends and how much you loved them until after they are gone.
My Uncle Jerry, my dad’s brother, was a Bronze Star Medal winner with Clusters in World War II during the Battle of the bulge in Europe. Our troops were horribly outnumbered and the fighting was brutal. They were running low on food, bullets and medical supplies because the supply lines had been ruptured by the Germans. They were surrounded in an almost hopeless situation.
My uncle had to take over command after all the officers above him were killed or wounded. At his funeral, some of the men who served with him told me how Uncle Jerry saved the lives of many men in an impossible situation. Out of 600 men only about 150 survived.
Video Tribute To My Uncle Jerry Zuranski, Bronze Star Medal Winner with Clusters