Dear Girl Talk Gals,
I was in a meeting when my cell phone started ringing, and ringing. It was my sister. I figured I would just call her back.
After the third call in ten minutes I started to worry. She wouldn’t keep calling back if it wasn’t something really
important. When the phone rang again thoughts of a death in the family started racing through my mind. I stepped outside and
called her back. She was calling to tell me Tim Russert had just died of a heart attack. It felt like there had been a death in
the family.
I can’t really explain why this hit my sister and I as hard as it did. As we watched the outpouring across the
country it was clear we weren’t alone. Tim Russert had touched so many lives. He represented the best a life can
be lived. A proud father, a beloved husband, a dedicated son, a caring friend and a brilliant journalist that kept all of us
informed and involved.
The trait that really struck me about this down to earth guy was his absolute passion for life. As stories of his life
have been shared with the public over the past few weeks we have gotten even more insight into his generous nature and
the way he embraced life and made sure those around him knew how much he appreciated and loved them.
Life is meant to be lived, enjoyed, and shared. This is yet another reminder not to put off that phone call, that
party, that family gathering, that life list! We should all try to live with half as much passion as Tim did!
Dream Big,
Lisa Hammond
The Barefoot CEO
