Thoughts of the Times

Some people die too soon. Whether famous, rich or a friend, some will die before they, or we, are ready to say goodbye.

The sudden death of well-regarded friend and newsman Tim Russert brings home the reality of that simple truth. According to a health news article in Newsweek magazine, 850 people die in the United States every day of the same kind of catastrophic end-of-life scenario that struck down Russert. Those 850 people dying of a sudden heart attack surpass the combined numbers of daily breast cancer, lung cancer and AIDS deaths. Indeed, for one-third of the victims of Russert's type of almost-immediate passing, death is indeed the only warning.

But there were other recent deaths of too-young people in our own neighborhoods as well. Due to serious illness, and thoughtless carelessness, lives were cut too short for the families and friends of these beloved members of our community.

These too-sudden endings should make us think more seriously about our own life patterns, behaviors and choices. Did you bother with your seatbelt on your last trip to the grocery or hardware store? That poor decision killed an area man, a beloved son, who was fatally ejected from his pick-up truck.

Do you continue to smoke? Are you still overweight? Have you ignored life-saving, regular check-ups for colon, breast and skin cancer, cholesterol and diabetes? Do you fail to exercise? Do you "forget" to wear your life jacket? Have you put off a trip to the doctor or dentist due to fear or cost?

For some, perhaps, life will end too soon as it did for Russert, without concern for prestige, age or position. But for others, who are equally loved and respected by family and friends, life can be saved, or prolonged by the daily choices we make.

Russert was in treatment for his medical problems, yet he died as a result of them. Will his sudden death remind us to take better care of ourselves, for all those who depend on us, and who love and care about us? Will the death of his heart, one of 850 nationwide on that spring June day, teach us anything about ourselves, and how we live our own lives?

Russert was a newsman, by all regards, a very good one. But he was much more than that, according to the memories and remembrances shared over the past week. He was a well-liked, well-respected and even beloved human being. He wrote notes or called friends celebrating joys, or mourning losses. He reached out his hand and was remembered as "always being there" by those who benefited from his thoughtfulness and caring. Although most of us didn't know it personally until after his death, he set a wonderful example of humanity for his only son Luke, teaching him by practicing high standards of how to live life well.

For those who may not have read his book, "Big Russ and Me," Russert tells of his life lessons learned both directly, and indirectly from his father. He tells of the man and his generation, and of the humanity that the son came to better understand only in his own midlife years. As Big Russ' grandson Luke gave the eulogy for his own clearly beloved father, we came to better see the pattern of a family that brought so much to their world, and ours.

There is no more time for Tim Russert, or for another beloved son who was killed in the pick-up overturn in Franklin County this week, or for the daughter who died too young of her illness. But you may still have time remaining in your life account! Don't waste the hours, days, months or years you may have left with family and friends. That time is a precious gift. Make it count for your world!

Mel Kelly is a former mayor of Carrabelle.