Tim Russert

I, too, was shocked and deeply saddened when I heard the news today about Tim Russert, one of those gentle men who I admired and respected so much. I just heard this evening on the news that he saw the Pope while in Italy this week and somehow that seems so timely. And I have learned to wear my special stockings (forgot the technical name) on my long flights overseas; they help a lot.

I am guessing that most likely he flew business or first class. Thrombosis is not that big factor when you have room to actually move around and recline.

An autopsy found that Russert had an enlarged heart and significant coronary artery disease.

i can't help myself, knowing that i send messages without correcting spelling errors...but you had a "warm feeling",,???

Sorry you don't care for the word I used. It's not like I said I had a "warm feeling" when I heard he'd died!

I was shocked and sad to hear he'd died, then a little later I heard he'd just returned from Italy where he met the Pope and enjoyed a vacation with his family.

So I had a feeling, hearing of his Italian vacation, that at least his final week was about as good as it could be. I was happy to hear that he'd had that trip. I tried to describe that feeling and probably used a poor word. Perhaps I should have said that I felt consoled to read of the trip.

Hey, Patrick,

I think you communicated it right the first time: "a warm feeling"--I knew exactly what you meant and why. And thanks for your post. Russert was certainly a fine journalist, and seemed to love working, playing, his family, and life. Met with the pope? Not bad for a working class kid from Buffalo! As a news and politics junkie (and former reporter), it's also so wonderful to hear the stories now coming out about he was a father figure to all in the NBC Washington News Bureau. Like you, I hope he had a wonderful time in Italia. He will be missed.

I totally understood what you meant by "a warm feeling." Sums it up just right. Apparently, watching the coverage, there are many people who are feeling the same way!

I felt the same way Patrick, of all the places Tim Russert could be his last week of life, he was in Italy and met with the Pope and spent time with his family! So many of us are on this board making our plans to do the same thing or have done this many times already. Wow, with his career so busy and full, thank God he had the sense to put family first. Tim's passing allows my husband and I the perspective we need to go on this vacation and not sweat the small stuff: declining dollar, bad economy, and guilt for taking the trip and focus on how lucky we are to be taveling- and we will definitely enjoy the gelato!! My motto is: with good credit, a VISA and a job to come home to, you can go anywhere you want to and enjoy it if that is what you want to do. I hope the Russerts took many photos, had quality time, and find the strength to get through this terrible loss. Now onward to the task of booking that rental car...

Continued...Also, I am a cardiac nurse, and heard that Tim had a plaque that ruptured in his coronary artery and a clot will form inside that artery and can sometimes result in sudden cardiac arrest from an arrythmia. This is different from a deep vein thrombosis in the legs that may occur on long flights. On the plane, do ankle circles, walk frequently and if you are at risk wear the anti clot stockings that help return blood back to the heart from the legs during these long flights or car rides. If you have calf tenderness or a red warm ache in the leg, or sudden shortness of breath or chest pain, get attention immediately. OK, now back to booking that airport shuttle.

Those of us in Rome were also deeply saddened by the death of Tim Russert. He had spent much time in Rome and worked, in his capacity as a political assistant, with the Vatican years ago. He will be missed terribly. For those of us that get our American News through the internet, Tim was a welcome voice. His knowledge, ability to break down even the most complex issues, graciousness, and humor will be missed. God Bless you Tim and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Like Tim, I also traveled in "my previous life" and was fortunate that when diagnosed with a DVT I was able to get treatment. My 5-inch "blockage" later broke up and became a series of Pulmonary Embolisms that were life threatening. After two weeks in the hospital I resumed my travel lifestyle AGAINST the wishes of my doctors - You do what you know!!

For three more years I traveled with multiple medicines and a fear of any leg cramp that could lead to a repeat of another DVT - and worse, a Pulmonary Embolism. So travelers - BE CAREFUL - confined areas can lead to these type of problems and then they will be with you... for life! DVT's in business circles are called "the economy class disease" so if you're stuck in coach on that long flight over the pond... get up and walk around. Do your exercises and be aware!

Again, a sad day ... Rest in Peace Tim. We will miss you.

Ciao,
Ron

Patrick,

Very nice message. He was an exceptional man. I watched MSNBC this weekend and learned so much about him.

Regina,

GROW UP! This is a website to express opinions and ask for help and be there to help people. If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.