“It is easier for a father to have children than for children to have a real father.”

—Pope John XXIII

Today’s story is about Tim Russert as a son and a good dad.

Good dad Tim Russert with son Luke
(photo courtesy of Today)

A Powerful Man
He shaped world thought. He influenced your vote. Those who abused power? Fried “live” on the tube.

As Meet the Press host, Tim sparred with the best. Rocky Balboa with “knock ‘em dead” words. At just 58, in 2008, Tim Russert departed too soon. Today is about Tim as both father and son.   

A Good Dad
Tim worked 7 days a week, yet never missed church, or one of Luke’s games.

A few quotes from Tim’s eulogy delivered by Luke:

— “In my 22 years, I have never met anybody filled with so much optimism…”
— “Great men often lead with their egos. Tim Russert led with his heart…”
— “He had a great time living, and is no doubt having the time of his life now in heaven.”
— “One of his favorite Yogiisms was, ‘always go to other people’s funerals. Otherwise, they won’t go to yours.’”

The measure of a powerful dad? The words of his kids.

Why was Tim such a good dad?
According to Tim, “Big Russ” was the man, and also his dad. In his best selling book, “Big Russ & Me,” Tim talks about this humble, hardworking man. “Big Russ” was a sanitation worker. He dropped out of high school to work so his family could live.

Tim and his dad were sports nuts. Of all of the moments they shared, one stood out. “It has stayed with me my entire life,” Tim said. “I was 13.” The International League All-Stars vs. the New York Yankees. “My dad bought tickets way up in the nosebleeds,” Tim recalled.

“I went down the aisle and tried desperately to get autographs. This one baseball player, Joe Pepitone, pushed me aside and I was crushed.

I came back to my seat very dejected. My dad said, ‘What happened?’ I explained. Big Russ said,

‘Don’t ever forget that. It takes as much time to be nice to someone as it does to be a jerk.’”

Three generations of great fathers and sons. Big Russ, Tim, and then Luke.

Good Dads help Good Dads be Good Dads.

Good dad ‘Big Russ’ with his son Tim Russert
(photo courtesy of Huffington Post)