I won't delve too long into the maudlin, but as I resume my musings again after a brief absence, I felt I had to mention the passing of a great American, er, Canadian-American. Several months ago I made note of the fact that Peter Jennings was going to be absent from the ABC World News Tonight broadcasts due to illness and I was surprised even then at how much it disturbed me. I had always perused the newspapers as a kid and my parents almost always watched the evening news -- national and local, but after college I acquired a serious news habit. I always viewed the national news broadcasts as a little Mickey Mouse, but I appreciated the bite-sized views of the world packed into those thirty minutes every night and Peter Jennings voice was soothing background music to that wonderful half-hour of the day when I return from work or school and spend some time reacquainting myself with that pretty, tall blond I know -- a little intersection of the big, wide world and my little place in it.
Anyway, I think that Peter Jennings was a damn fine news anchor. His belief and hope in this country was just as palpable as his not infrequent disappointment in its failings. I recall that after 9/11 he altered his evening sign-off. Instead of simply saying good night, see you tomorrow, he summed up all the fear and uncertainty shared by many when he said simply, "hope to see you tomorrow night." I had very much hoped to see him tomorrow night, and the night after too -- it's strange to say about someone I did not know, but I will miss him.
IN OTHER NEWS
Those of you who might be wondering will be happy to know that Tara's surgery today went beautifully. It would be a HIPA violation for me to go into more detail (that, and Tara would probably not be happy for me to be discussing her medical history on the internet), but just know that all is well.
Also, when I started this blog I envisioned something funny and topical and I'm not sure that I've hit the mark. I welcome your ideas for topics, themes, and whatever strikes you as worth writing about.
1 comment:
Peter Jennings often stated that he regretted having not finishing high school. What he didn't learn in school he made up for by learning about life around the world. He truly cared about people - you could always tell by the way he talked to him. I think we all had hoped to see him tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow. Sadly - life goes on and tomorrow never comes.
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