Today I am remembering with great fondness, Timothy John Russert.

I strive to have the enthusiasm and authenticity you lived daily.

You will be missed by so many fans for your bravery and contributions

I recall the first funeral I attended was for my grandfather.  I was 13 years old.  At the wake I was so disturbed by the sight of him in the casket, I ran out of the funeral home in tears.  As I sat with my family again at the unexpected death of my cousin, I watched with sadness as everyone was clearly still in shock.  My cousin was the not the healthiest guy I know, but then again he was only 35.  I wanted so badly to help bring the sorrow to an end for my family, but I sat quietly with the horrible feelings I recall from my youth.  While I am glad that the day is over, I am filled with sorrow at the unexpected loss.  I only pray that this time of grieving will go quickly for my family - whom I love dearly.

So, I’ll first share that the engagement party was a wonderful success. Plenty of wonderful guests, wine and food, continually improving weather - how could it go wrong? It was fun watching my family and Michael’s family interact and celebrate together. There was even a moment of clinking glasses which we did not expect from our 40 or so guests.

Unfortunately, as my father, brother and grandmother were walking in the door of the vineyard, they got a call on their cellphone that one of my cousins had unexpectedly died. Paul was around the same age as me. He was my Dad’s brother’s oldest son. I can recall as a youth teaming up with him to play tricks on our younger brothers. He apparently had some sort of respiratory issue which did caused him to stop breathing. I don’t know other details at this stage. I am scheduled to get on a plane to California for work meetings in a few hours. I will likely have to fly back sometime during the week for the funeral.