Wake for Tim Russert

Yesterday, June 17, I attended the wake for the beloved journalist, Tim Russert. The event was held at St. Albans School, located on the property of the National Cathedral in Washington D.C.

Rev. Schenck and I arrived early that afternoon and found a long line. Before the public was permitted to pay their respects, President Bush and his wife visited with the Russert family.

As the line began to move we were greeted with flowers and photographers. When we were about to enter the building, I saw Brit Hume from Fox News ushered in. At the door we were given card. On the front of this card was a picture of Tim Russert and the words:

In Loving Memory
TIM RUSSERT
May 7 1950 – June 13 2008
“No exercise is better for the human heart
than reaching down to lift up another person.”

The back of the card had a prayer:

PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI
~
Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is doubt, let me have faith;
Where there is sadness, let me bring joy.

Grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled, as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive
In pardoning that we are pardoned;
It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Mr. Russert lay in the center of the Morris and Gwendolyn Carfitz Foundation Refector Room. His family was there to greet people and two men stood at attention on both ends of the closed casket. The Secret Service still occupied the room when we entered – Rev. Schenck said they usually stay two hours after the president departs. After Rev. Schenck greeted Mr. Russert’s son, we both remained by the casket for a few seconds of silent prayer.

As we drove away from the National Cathedral property, I noted how the line of people, stretching out onto the sidewalk, had lengthened.