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Nourishing Relationships

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What Sandwiched Boomers Can Learn from Tim Russert


There have been non-stop tributes to Tim Russert - from erudite political friends 
to strangers traveling long distances to pay their respects. He was the toughest 
interviewer in broadcast journalism and few had come even close to rattling him. 
He clearly understood how the media game is played. Because he knew an awful lot more, 
think about what you can learn from his legacy and then apply to your life:

1.	He knew how to be a good son, father and husband. Tim Russert loved his family 
and told them so on a regular basis. Placing great value on parenting, he walked the walk. 
He made certain, above all, that his son was a priority. As knowledge is power, try to 
better understand the transitions that your own family in flux is going through now. 
Gather more information about how to manage change from the Internet’s search engines 
and the self-help section of your local bookstore. Talk to friends and family whose 
opinions you respect and who have gone through similar experiences. It's an opportunity 
to get realistic feedback and some concrete advice. 
 
2.	Tim Russert never forgot where he came from. He was proud of growing up in Buffalo, 
his blue-collar origins, delivering newspapers as a boy. You, too, can dig deep and 
find your roots. Listen to your inner voice. What does it have to say about who you 
are, what you want, how to care for your family relationships and still nurture yourself? 
Set some concrete and specific long-range goals about what you need for you and what you 
want to accomplish for your family. Identify short-term objectives as you work toward 
achieving them, step by step.

3.	He did his homework - researching every subject he covered so that, when it came 
time to go on the air, he was very well prepared. It is often said that history is prologue. 
How can you prepare for what lies ahead? As you look back in review, how have you dealt with 
major changes in your family life? Think about what has worked in the past. Take the specific 
strategies that you learned from those experiences and, once again, apply the most effective 
ones to the challenges you are facing today. A positive attitude will motivate you to stay 
on track and ultimately reach your goals.

4.	Tim Russert was a man of strong faith and felt confident about himself. Look at the many 
ways you can continue to build on your internal and external assets. Evaluate your basic 
character strengths and how they have benefited you in other circumstances. Are you fiercely 
curious and determined to find a solution, no matter what? Discover the resources, such as 
caregiver programs or support groups, that will help in your decision making process as you 
deal with the specifics of the family problems you are handling. 

5.	He was a role model extraordinaire - so many in the media gave testimony to how he was 
their cheerleader and shaped their careers. Co-workers felt close to him, identified with 
him and his values. He was authentic, nurturing and encouraging. When you are facing what 
may be a difficult time for your own family, do you also recognize the importance of support? 
Discussions with friends and family can clarify your needs as you work through this process 
of change. Getting a second and objective opinion - from a family therapist, gerontologist 
or life coach - will provide you with further insight, direction and encouragement.  

There was a massive outpouring of emotion and much admiration for Tim Russert at a time 
when family values have taken a back seat to more immediate gratifications. See this as a 
teachable moment. Character matters, as does your family. The country responded to a man 
they didn't necessarily know but whom they saw as representing them, their struggles and 
possible solutions to their problems. People felt as if they could depend on him, just as 
your family does on you. You, too, represent hope for your family and for the future 
of our country.



© 2008, Her Mentor Center


               

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