Tim Russert, Fathers and Kids

Tim Russert’s unexpected death yesterday invites a variety of thoughts about the man and his work. Russert came to prominence as a political journalist, but he is likely to be better remembered for his books about fathers and their children. I write fathers and children, not fathers and sons, because his second book (Wisdom of Our Fathers: Lessons and Letters from Daughters and Sons) contained input from sons and daughters alike. I’ll write more on that in a moment.

There is no “good” way to die, but Russert came close in my view. He was working at a task he loved providing a service valued by millions. When someone goes quickly, the regret is always the lack of opportunity to say goodbye. The blessing is that in going quickly, the loved one does not linger in pain that their loved ones share with them.

I have a friend whose father the family chastised for his health habits towards the last of his life. The father dismissed the criticism and said that when he had a heart attack, he wanted it to be a good one that would take him right away. He didn’t want some half hearted stroke that would leave him alive, but unable to do the things he enjoyed. If I remember correctly, the father got his wish.

Last summer for my promotional trip to Denver, my wife and I got several books on tape to listen to on the road. One of them was Russert’s Wisdom of Our Fathers. (Another was Bob Newhart’s I Really Shouldn’t Be Doing This. Avoid listening to Newhart when you’re driving. I was laughing so hard at the “Driving Instructor” monologue I was about to lose control of the car and only saved myself by turning it off.)

At any rate, for someone who had just lost their father the previous December, Russert’s book was a great source of solace. I particularly remember the story of Russert’s son Luke disobeying Tim and getting a tattoo. His wife having discovered the tattoo first, Tim demanded to see it for himself. Located on his side above the waist, Tim read three letters that were his own initials and those of his own father. Luke explained that by having the tattoo there, that Luke would always be reminded that his father and his grandfather were “on his side”. At that, the anger at the tattoo gave way to laughter and tears.

Little did I know during the trip that the very next month my father-in-law from my first marriage would pass away. When you say a prayer for Tim and his family, say a special one for Big Russ. It’s not the norm for a child to die before their parent, but he and my father-in-law both endured it. My father-in-law endured it twice.

I’ve been lucky. My paternal grandfather died before I was old enough to remember him, but the other men in my family were with me for a long time. That’s why there was a special sadness for me earlier this month when my computer flashed up the reminder to buy Father’s Day cards and I realized I no longer had anyone to buy one for.

Let’s finish this by talking about Russert and his legacy. Russert’s approach was to get to the truth about a politician and his or her beliefs and intentions. Perhaps we can best honor his memory by taking that same approach.  Let’s focus on first getting the truth about politicians, their beliefs and intentions.

There’s No Business Without the Show

One of the radio hosts I’ve had the honor to be on the air with is Tom Becka. Tom has had a really varied career as a salesperson, sales manager, stand-up comedian and radio talk show host. I can say that I myself am a PBL (Proud Becka Listener).

Tom has a new book about to be released called There’s No Business Without the Show: Using Show Business Skills to get Blockbuster Sales.

If you’re saying to yourself, “So what? I’m not in sales,” then think again. We are all in sales and we are all in customer service. Whatever role you play in your economic life, Tom’s book can help you play that role better. Sometimes, breaking out of a sticking point in your work life takes a new perspective on what you’re doing. This book could be what enables you to do that.

Advance copies of the book are available at www.TomBecka.com