I sit here shocked, saddened, and completely stunned.  I cannot believe that my Sunday morning friend will not be joining me for breakfast this Sunday or any Sunday thereafter.  Though we have never met, Tim Russert comes into my home, and the homes of 5 million others, every week as a distinguished old friend.  Telephone calls and knocks on the door are ignored.  Everything stands still for that one hour on Sunday morning.  It’s the one day of the week that I know that I will hear authentic, unbiased, clinical, no holds barred, interviews and political discussion.  It’s hard to imagine beginning my week without an injection of Russert style analysis.   It is equally difficult to imagine anyone who will be able to fill his shoes.  Meet the Press will be a different show without his smiling face, sharp wit, keen intellect, and probing commentary.  It was only when Tim Russert proclaimed Barack Obama the presumptive democratic nominee that everyone began to say that the democratic race was over.  His death has left an enormous void not only in journalism but in politics in general.  At a time when our country is in flux and there are many uncertainties as to which direction we are headed, turning to NBC for Sunday morning breakfast with Big Russ gave me calm and solace.  He was an institution and a mainstay who created within us an infectious curiosity.  His love and passion for politics came through in every interview, every comment, and every appearance.  So much so that I channel switch between two different morning shows just to hear his take on the political news of the day.  Quoting him as your source gave an argument a level of credibility that rivaled fact.  He was the standard-bearer for his profession and I cannot imagine this historic race without him.  Seeing his beaming face and witnessing his unadulterated glee at the conclusion of the democratic primary was enough to make even the worst of cynics crack a smile.  Even though you probably have a much better view of what will happen in this particular race Mr. Russert, it just does not seem fair that you were taken at this time.  The night Obama became the presumptive democratic nominee, I remember one of Tim’s last comments,  “I would love to teach an American history class in an inner-city school tomorrow.” He didn’t realize that he was teaching history to the biggest classroom in the world.  He taught us through his commitment, passion, enthusiasm, and dedication, to politics, journalism, and truth.  I for one am proud to have been his student.  He was the titan of his profession and his death has left a hole in our hearts as well as our curriculum.  You will be missed Mr. Timothy Russert, and this “wild ride” will not be the same without you.  In your resplendent memory…..go Bills.