Brian Williams, anchor and managing editor
For members of my generation and older, the Challenger explosion is one of those events: you remember where you were. A piece of videotape that just went public brought that event back in our memory—yet from a distance, and through the prism of an eyewitness who on that day was trying out a new video camera.
Jack Moss was an optometrist with a winter home in Winter Haven, Florida. On the day of the launch he was in position, aiming his camera at the horizon where he'd seen previous launches. As something goes wrong, we hear him realize just that. While I apologize for any sensitivities among NASA family and loved ones, this was a searing national event. It’s been 24 years now. This account—these pictures accompanied by narration—make for an ordinary and poignant reminder of that day when our minds fought our eyes, because we didn't want what we were seeing to be true.
For the record: On that day, I was sitting in a television studio full of folding chairs in Washington, DC. John Kluge, the billionaire owner of Metromedia Broadcasting, had just started to speak from the podium at the front of the studio. He was telling us that he was selling the company (and the independent television station where I worked as a correspondent, WTTG) to Fox. He hadn't yet made the official announcement when the anchor at the station, a young (at the time) anchor named Maury Povich, blew in the door and yelled to everyone in the room, "The shuttle just blew up!" We all scattered. Kluge never did finish his statement, but he did sell the company.
Fast-forward to present day, and another apology: My music website, BriTunes, is woefully behind. I have a load of new music, and a boatload of recommendations—I just need the time to compile it, and we'll be up to date. Thanks for your patience.
Brian Williams, anchor and managing editor
We need to agree as a nation: no more 3D for now. There I was, watching the Grammy Awards, when suddenly it switched to 3D for the Michael Jackson tribute. Programmers have to realize: It’s not as if we're sitting home watching television with a pair of those nasty 3D glasses at the ready. I thought we might have a pair in the kitchen drawer (everyone has a kitchen drawer like this: I found 3 AA batteries, 5 AAA batteries, one 9-volt battery and one C battery, a dried-up tube of Super Glue, dozens of unidentified keys, but no 3D glasses), but I was wrong. It needs to stop. Besides: If Beyonce looks bad in those glasses, what possible chance do the rest of us have?
Congratulations to my friend Candy Crowley, who got a new job at CNN. While I'm a rabidly loyal member of the home team here at NBC News/MSNBC, Candy is a press corps favorite because she's a good person and a great writer. While I wouldn't advise anyone to enter into a competition with my pal David Gregory on Sundays, I'm happy for my friend Candy.
We are back for a new week, and we hope you can join us starting tonight.
By Andrea Mitchell, NBC News
After expediting adoptions that were in process before the earthquake, the Haitian government has since slowed the adoption process, saying only orphaned children whose cases have been thoroughly investigated will be allowed to leave the country--leaving many potential adoptive parents confused and eager for more information.
Below you'll find the answers to some of the most frequently asked viewer questions.
Paul & Milena Goralski, Kent, WA: Do a man and woman married less than 10 years have a chance of adopting a child(ren) from Haiti?
Andrea Mitchell: Yes, couples married less than ten years can get waivers from Haiti's government, but unfortunately the earthquake has frozen any action on new applications. For the time being, only couples who had previously applied and been matched with a child are being considered. The wait may be long: the United Nations recommends a two-year hiatus before any new adoptions are considered after a natural disaster-a "time out" so that displaced children and distant relatives can be reunited, if possible.
Amy, Everett, PA: How can a couple start this process if paperwork hasn't begun? Should a couple find an international adoption agency? Or has there been a special agency set up for this disaster?
AM: Reputable international adoption agencies will likely advise that Haiti's government has decided to halt all adoptions except for the approximately 1100 that were already underway before the earthquake. This ruling has been endorsed by the United Nations, the State Department and Save the Children because of a high risk that children can be exploited after natural disasters. Unfortunately, in poor countries like Haiti, children are often trafficked, sold for labor, as sex slaves, or otherwise abused. UNICEF has been trying to prevent that from happening in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Susan, Washington, DC: Are there any charitable or other organizations trying to provide encouragement and support to Haitian extended families who take in recently orphaned children so these kids WON'T be adopted and shipped out to other countries? This happened in Aceh. Is it happening in Haiti? A country's children are its future.
AM: You are raising an important issue, the risk that children either orphaned or separated from their extended families will be taken from the country during this crisis. The U.S. embassy is being vigilant about identifiying legitimately adopted children before they can be brought to the U.S. Other countries may be less actively engaged, but UNICEF, Save the Children and other NGOs on the ground are working closely with Haiti's government. Despite the devastation of its own infrastructure and loss of live among civil servants, Haiti is being rigorous about sticking to it's very tough guidelines on adoptions.
Barbara Novak, Pearl City, HI: If you have been married more than 10 years but have two children do you still need to get a waiver to adopt?
AM: Yes, if you are married more than ten years but already have two children you still need a waiver to adopt a child in Haiti. In the past, those waivers have been granted with relative ease. Now that situation has changed, since the immediate focus is on families that were previously matched with children. The freeze on future adoptions could last for several years.
T.W., McPherson, KS: Are there any new adoptions being started for children who were already orphaned or children newly orphaned in Haiti? If so, what's a legitimate organization to contact regarding adoptions? Will the adoption process be as lengthy as Haitian adoptions of the past?
AM: Reputable adoption agencies would tell you that neither the State Department nor Haiti's government are considering new adoption applications at this time. Their primary concern is the safety of children who may have been separated from surviving relatives and need time to be reunited with extended family. Be very careful of any agencies that claim they can help you locate a newly orphaned Haitian child.
Burt & Sue Kidwell: Is it possible to "adopt" a Haitian family and to support them in Haiti? due to our ages, we cannot bring anyone to the U.S. but we could support a child or two with or without their parents.
AM: I don't know of any way to "adopt" a Haitian family, but the Red Cross and other aid groups are eager for any cash contributions that can help buy food, water, medical supplies and other desperately needed aid. The State Department's website has information on where to send contributions.
Valerie Arnold, Valdosta, GA: Is the U.S. Government going to help expedite adoption of Haitian orphans without all the red tape/waiting? Are they going to provide assistance in the way of monthly stipends, and medicaid to help assist Americans who are willing to give a home to a Haitian orphan?
AM: The U.S. government has been expediting paperwork for children already matched with families before the earthquake. This includes finding ways to grant visas even if the child's paperwork was lost in the earthquake. Once a child is adopted there is no special assistance related to the earthquake other than the usual government programs for which an adoptive family would otherwise qualify.
Bridget Browning, Egg Harbor, WI; Will there be some sort of waiting list to adopt the children who have become orphaned in the quake? I am single and have a home and would love to provide a home for one of these orphans. It sounds like this will not be possible from your report. I would sign up for a waiting list if there was some hope of these children coming here someday in the future. Please advise.
AM: Because of the dimensions of the crisis, Haiti's government and the State Department are limiting themselves to focusing on the children who are already matched with American families. Unfortunately, although people like yourself are eager to help, Haiti and the U.S. government are not creating a waiting list at this time.
Anonymous, Lima, Ohio: Will the children who were already identified as orphans and available for adoption prior to the earthquake be available to be adopted if there are families working with the orphanage and matched after the earthquake?
AM: For the time being, children identified as orphans are not being made available to families working with agencies, unless there was a previous match between family and child.
Anonymous: What are the ages of the children? what are the costs of the adoption? What are the requirements on the interested parents that want to adopt the children?
AM: The children are of all ages, from infancy to teenagers. Costs vary widely, especially in the current circumstances.Unfortunately, parents who are just beginning this process will have to wait several years before adoptions can resume. Interested parents must be married ten years, more than 19 years older than the child they are adopting, and not have other children - although Haiti's government often waives those requirements.
Christina Pierson, La Mesa, CA: Can an older single woman adopt a child from Haiti?
AM: An older single woman would need to get a waiver from Haiti's government before being able to adopt a child. I think at this time it would be difficult to get permission, because new adoptions are not being considered at this time.
Ellen Lanse, Silver City, New Mexico: My husband and I are older and are grandparents but we really want to adopt or foster Haitian children to give them a loving secure home and a chance to be all they can be, going to school etc. I don't know if we are too old to qualify.
AM: I don't know of an age limit that would disqualify you and your husband, but Haiti's government is not considering new applicants for children until they determine whether there are surviving relatives. This may take several years to sort out, according to U.S. officials.
David Schoening, Fernandina Beach, FL: Can parents with existing children qualify for Haitian adoptions?
AM: Many families with existing children have been approved to adopt children from Haiti. However, new applicats are not being considered during the current emergency. U.S. officials say this may take several years to sort out.
Meghan, Worcester, MA: As I understand it, the Haitian government has strict guidelines as to who can/can not adopt children. Will Haiti ease the adoption requirements as a result of the earthquake?
AM: You are correct, Haiti's government has very strict guidelines as to who can or cannot adopt children. The government is expediting paperwork for previously approved families, with the assistance of consular officers from the U.S. embassy. However, they are not considering new applications at this time.
Alexandra Honeyghan, Ardmore, Alabama: My husband and I will be married 6 year in April. We have no children, have steady jobs for over five years, own our home home, and we are liscenced foster parents for Madison County in Alabama. I am Haitian-Americian born in NY. My husband is Jamaican. We would like to adopt a child from Haiti. Do we qualify? How much does it cost to file paperwork? How long does it usually take for the adoption process to complete? Thank you.
AM: Haiti is not approving new adoptions at this time - other than for families who were previously approved. State department officials say that it may take several years before this will change, unfortunately.
Mary, Fairport, NY: Is there a different process for bringing pre teen and teen orphaned children to the US from Haiti? They may or may not need or want to be formally adopted.
AM: The process is the same for all minor children, including pre-teens and teen orphaned children. They are only matched with families through formal adoptions.
Barbara Lanciers, Brooklyn, NY: Can single people or gay and lesbian couples adopt from Haiti?
AM: Single parents actually CAN adopt from Haiti -- the single parent just has to meet age and other standard requirements. But, that doesn't change the fact that neither Haiti nor the U.S. State Department are considering new applications right now.
Karen, Brooklyn, NY: I have a completed, sealed dossier for Haiti and an I-171H approval, but was waiting for a referral when the earthquake struck. Am I far enough along in the process to hold out hope for still adopting from Haiti?
AM: The State Department Consular Affairs Office says that "Karen" should contact them directly at AskCI@state.gov about her situation.
You can also view our most recent reports on the subject here:
Strict rules guide Haitian adoption policy
Jan. 29: The heartbreaking stories of loss and salvation are inspiring thousands to ask the State Department how to adopt children from the Caribbean nation.
Haiti, U.S. taking steps to help orphans
Jan. 29: As Americans open their hearts to Haiti’s orphans, NBC’s Andrea Mitchell talks with Cheryl Mills, counselor and chief of staff to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, on the subject of adoption.
By Lester Holt, NBC News anchor
As those of us who were on the ground in Haiti can attest, the earthquake disaster brought out the very best in mankind, and still does today. The call for help was answered all around the world. It brought those with the best skills, the best equipment and from the very best humanitarian relief organizations.
In some cases it also brought individuals and groups equipped with little more than the best of intentions. As the dust settles across the Haitian capitol, authorities are re-grouping and wary of the inevitable next chapter of a mega-disaster: those looking to take advantage. It is within this gray fog of disaster that a group of 10 American Baptists find themselves in today. They were detained by Haitian police while trying to bring 33 children they identified as orphans across the border into the Dominican Republic. The group says it was part of a rescue mission focused on helping Haitian orphans. It remains to be seen whether this is simply a paper work and communications mix-up or something more serious.
Haitian authorities, worried about the threat of child trafficking that can follow such a disaster, are for now taking no chances. Our Michelle Kosinski is working the story from Port-au-Prince and she'll have more on the church group in question, and where those children are now.
Also on tonight's program, Jim Maceda has put together a truly eye-opening story on the enormous difficulties American and allied advisors are facing as they try and help build a modern Afghan army. Some of the scenes in this story would be downright comical if the stakes weren't so high.
I hope you will join me tonight for NBC Nightly News.
By Lester Holt, NBC News anchor
I could be writing this from Greensboro, North Carolina. I was supposed to go down and back late yesterday for work, but the weather forecast gave me pause. The forecasters were correct, and had I not listened to them I'd likely be among the thousands cooling my heels in an airport terminal today.
North Carolina is getting hammered by the snow storm that barreled in from the south. Flight delays and cancelations are just a part of the dangerous mess it's leaving behind, and we'll have a lot more on tonight's broadcast.
We will also show you President Obama's stint as a TV basketball analyst earlier today, and tell you why it may be viewed as part of a larger political makeover.
Toyota says it has figured out a fix for the faulty accelerator on several of its car models. There is no timetable however, for getting all the affected cars fixed, and anxious Toyota owners are scrambling for answers in the meantime. We'll update where things stand.
Have you seen the Shaun White wipeout at the X-games? The big story isn't just his crash on the half-pipe, but what he managed to do afterward. Two weeks before the Winter Olympics he's proving again why he is arguably the biggest star on the American team.
I hope you'll join us for more on these stories and more on tonight's edition of NBC Nightly News.
Brian Williams, anchor and managing editor
During the State of the Union, I turned to David Gregory and Andrea Mitchell and blurted out the obvious: I could never be president. The specific reason I gave was that I'd bankrupt the nation by re-starting an all-out push into space – back to the moon, to Mars and beyond.
I mention this (and we will tonight on the broadcast) because of the report out today (a preview of more on Monday) saying the American "manned space flight era" is about to come to an end, for the foreseeable future. For all of us romantics of a certain age, there has always been a space program. Despite the setbacks and the loss of life, we've still pushed onward. We kept going. Much of the technology in my Chevy SUV is thanks to the space program. That feeling you get at the end of “The Right Stuff”?
When you look at the old pictures of the Mercury Seven in their crew cuts and flat-tops -- and realize the courage it took to fly in the X-1, the X-15, Mercury, Gemini, Apollo and the Shuttle? That feeling, it helped make us great in the post-war era. It gave young boys of the era heroes to look up to. This is a new era, and choices must be made – but what about us old romantics? Anybody out there?
On that wistful note: have a good weekend. We sure hope you can join us tonight.
By Mara Schiavocampo, NBC News correspondent
Linda Benoit is a 50-year old nurse from New York. She is also Haitian born. When she saw the images from Haiti's disaster she just knew she had to come. "If I didn't come, it wouldn't be me," she said. You can see Linda's full story on Nightly News tonight.
There are so many others like Linda here. Many Haitian-American medical professionals felt compelled to come, to help their homeland. "We have to be the ones to step up to say we're not going to allow somebody else to clean our house for us," said Witlet Maceno, a 29-year Registered Nurse from Brooklyn, New York. Like Linda, Maceno took time away from work and his family (he has a five-month old baby) to volunteer here in Port-Au-Prince. His efforts are grassroots and effective. He borrowed a truck from his sister and has partnered with the non-profit group Can-Do to pick up supplies from the airport and deliver them directly to hospitals and medical tents. No middle man, no red tape. He saw a need and is filling it.
Witlet says there are about 30 of his peers here, members of the Association of Haitian Physicians Abroad and the Haitian American Nurses Association. They are working around the clock to distribute medical supplies and treat patients. The need is overwhelming, their work beyond valuable. When I spent time with Maceno and Benoit at the General Hospital yesterday doctors were literally asking them to discharge people to make room for other patients. They are treating them as fast as they can, doing their best to save life and limb, and prevent infections from spreading. They do it because this is their country, but also because they can't stand by while others suffer. "I think God put me on this earth to help people," says Benoit. "And my happiest moment is when I help people."
VIDEO: Nursing the homeland back to health
Association of Haitian Physicians Abroad
www.amhe.org
Haitian American Nurses Association
www.hana84.org
Can-Do
www.can-do.org
Brian Williams, anchor and managing editor
As I see it, with the addition of a simple add-on keyboard, the new Apple iPad can become a lot like...an Apple laptop. It plays the same music as an iPod, so there's that. At 1.5 pounds, it weighs slightly more than most books—but they say when it's used as an e-reader, it’s very easy and intuitive to turn the page—almost like, say, turning a page. I wonder if a paper version of their e-reader will become available? That would be so great—something you could carry around and not have to power up—you could go right to the spot in the text where you left off, and instantly start reading. Perhaps that will be the next big thing.
I love technology.
Thanks to those of you who responded so warmly to my post on obituaries. Tonight we have a big challenge on that front, with news of the passing of J.D. Salinger, who the New York Times today called the "Garbo of letters," in a nice turn of phrase. Some of your comments were among the kindest I've ever read—and it was good to hear from my old pal Stephanie Howell from Fort Benning. Stephanie: I'm looking at your husband's photo as I write this–it’s been on my desk in New York since you handed it to me. It gives me strength during the day—and when I have to read the "evil" e-mails to the blog!
We are back from Washington, and we hope you can join us tonight.
By Joo Lee, NBC News producer
With the Olympics just days away, excitement is building! There are a few people who may well be even more nervous than the athletes. As Robin Gorog, mother of snowboarder Gretchen Bleiler, describes it, "It is equal parts incredible pride, incredible love and an incredible stomach ache!" I asked her and a few other "Olympic moms" to tell us how they're preparing themselves and what advice they're giving to their kids. Our mom squad includes: Robin Gorog, mom of snowboarder Gretchen Bleiler; Eileen Hamlin, mom of luger Erin Hamlin; Linda Krohn, mom of alpine skier Lindsey Vonn; Linda Marsicano, mom of speed skater Trevor Marsicano; Pat Teter, mom of snowboarder Hannah Teter.
MOM'S ADVICE?
Robin Gorog (Gretchen Bleiler): "The biggest thing Gretchen has to deal with is how big the Olympics are and how not to let her nerves get in the way. Since she went to the Olympics in Torino (who gets to go to the Olympics once much less twice!), I have told her to look at this as the BONUS ROUND and to just try to take deep breaths and enjoy every minute of it."
Eileen Hamlin (Erin Hamlin): "With all the hoopla of the next few weeks, stay true to who you are and where you're from. If pressure is looming, let your coaches step in, and as always, have FUN, slide fast."
Linda Krohn (Lindsey Vonn): "I'll say that I don't give Lindsey any advice - she's doing GREAT, so I wouldn't mess with success!"
Linda Marsicano (Trevor Marsicano): "Follow your head and your heart! Remember the journey - the highs and lows - that got you to this point. Don't take for granted the privilege it is to skate for your God, your country, and your family."
Pat Teter (Hannah Teter): "I feel I shouldn't (and don't) give her any advice about competing. All I can do is be there to support her in the wonderful young woman that she is, and remind her how much we love her, no matter what."
WHAT DO YOU WANT AMERICA TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR CHILD?
A young Gretchen Bleiler (photo courtesy of Robin Gorog)
Robin Gorog: "America should know that Gretchen is a very normal young woman, who came from a very normal background. She set her sights on competing in the Olympics when she was very young and she put in the hours and worked and did what it took to get her to Torino and now Vancouver. If that meant being on the hill when all her friends were at the movies, that's what she did. Any young woman who works hard and sets her goals high can succeed."
Eileen Hamlin: "America should know that Erin is the local athlete, the kid down the block, your son, daughter, brother, sister, cousin, teammate, niece, nephew, that found a passion, worked hard in all areas of her life for many years and has realized her focus and determination have paid off. She is an Olympian."
Below: Erin Hamlin (photo courtesy of Eileen Hamlin)
Linda Krohn: "I think America has been seeing what a humble, gracious person Lindsey is. She's done that all herself."
Linda Marsicano: "Trevor is an example to all kids who have been bullied in school and suffered from depression that there is hope! You don't have to let the bullies define who you are and depression is nothing to be ashamed of. There is always someone out there who cares and wants to help - don't give up. Dare to reach out and ask for help! YOU MATTER AND ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!"
Pat Teter: "That we are so proud of all the wonderful things she has done with her celebrity status of being an Olympian and being a role model for others. She has committed herself to help others and has become an inspiration to all of us to do the same in whatever way we can."
At left: Hannah Teter (photo courtesy of Pat Teter)
GOOD LUCK CHARMS? PRE-GAME RITUALS? LAST-MINUTE PREPS?
Robin Gorog: "I try not to throw up... I have told her there is no reason for her to be nervous as I am nervous enough for both of us!"
Eileen Hamlin: "Several good luck items will be traveling with me, such as my 1980 winter olympic snow pants, (yes, they still fit), a lucky sweater given to me before the last olympics by Erin's former teacher, my secret gold foil (long story), and a lucky coin given to me when we found out the games were in Vancouver, (same gentleman had given me a Lire before Italy)."
Linda Krohn: "I do have a ritual of watching her in every race - getting up at 3 or 4 in the morning requires it's own ritual - and the music alarm turned WAY UP! And I always say a prayer before every run; that is the only way I can watch her! And my cat, Cocoa, sits on my lap (right by the fire place) in front of the computer. I scream if she wins and Cocoa jumps off - that has been happening a lot lately!"
Below: Lindsey Vonn (photo courtesy of Linda Krohn)
Linda Marsicano: "I have to say that our faith is our guide and our ritual is praying! Our last minute preparation is to remember that it took everything we had to get him there and he was worth it. Our goal was to give Trevor the opportunity to achieve his dream and we will share the Olympic experience through him, and are grateful for the technology that will allow us to do so."
Below: Trevor Marsicano (photo courtesy of Linda Marsicano )
Pat Teter: "Prayers for safety and peace for my competitive children, and wearing my Team Teter shirt."
Brian Williams, anchor and managing editor
I think it’s safe to claim that of the three network evening broadcasts in our time slot, we air the most obituaries. To me, it’s a source of enormous pride. I believe the act of noting and remembering the deceased is also a wonderful way to take stock of our own lives.
Tim Russert and I always used to joke that the first section of the newspaper that we both read each day was the "Irish Sports Pages," which is the dark and indelicate slang of our shared heritage for the obituaries. It’s true—I've always believed some of the most important "news" in a paper (and on the web) has to do with news of those who have just died. I believe obituaries tell us about who we are and where we've been, as we learn about the others who have shared in our journey. If you're a 50-year-old American, like me, you can say you lived in the time of JFK and Nixon, Mandela and Cronkite, Hepburn, Springsteen and Russert. The giants who walk among us make for the signposts of our life and times. They aren't the most important people in our own everyday personal lives—the prominent, headline obituaries in the paper are usually about the people we aren't lucky enough to know. Instead, the regular folks get what my parents called "paid obituaries," the death notices usually written and submitted by families. They can often contain wonderful details and the flowery, mournful language of families who miss them dearly. We all like to think we'll be missed.
In our newsroom, it’s well known that I write the obituaries. I put as much care into writing them as I do the items at the very top of the broadcast, where wording and tone and facts are absolutely critical. I usually try to mention military service, and find the rare surprising biographical fact. No two of us are alike (thankfully) and all of us have done something worth re-telling.
On Monday night, I learned of the death of former Senator Charles McC. Mathias. He was universally known as "Mac," and was universally considered one of the giants of the U.S. Senate. As a student of politics and American history, I had followed his career since I was old enough to know who he was. I knew his death marked the end of an era, and came to work on Tuesday determined to devote some air time to remembering the Senator.
I wrote a short obituary with great care. I mentioned that Senator Mathias was roundly considered to be the last of a breed: a liberal Republican. I mentioned that President Lyndon Johnson would never have been able to pass the 1964 Civil Rights Act without him, and added that he'd been famously called "the conscience of the Senate" by the Democratic Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield. Mansfield, a proper and upright product of Montana, was never known to throw words around carelessly. When he said that about Mac Mathias, he meant it, and it stuck.
Richard Nixon was deeply suspicious about Senator Mathias, which the Senator later wore as a badge of honor. Mac Mathias said more than once that the Republican Party should be the party of its greats: Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt and Eisenhower -- and his own party sometimes deeply disappointed him. Conservatives considered him a mislabeled Democrat. A political veteran assured me on Tuesday, "Mac Mathias could never be elected as a Republican today."
Because our air time is limited, because we have to find space for such stories alongside a slate of coverage from Haiti, a new NBC poll and a preview of the State of the Union speech, there were details about Senator Mathias I had to leave out. He was born into a prominent Maryland family. He had served in the Navy and was well-educated. He was a handsome man, physically imposing but thoroughly gregarious. He was against the Iraq war and he endorsed Barack Obama. He loved the Chesapeake Bay and fought hard to keep it clean and prosperous. He died of Parkinson's Disease. He was 87 years old.
After the broadcast on Tuesday night, I took the train to Washington. When I arrived at my hotel, I received an email—relayed through my sister-in-law, from a close friend of the Mathias family. It read in part, "I was at the Senator's house when it came on (the air), and you should have seen how happy it made the family and Mrs. Mathias." She went on to thank us—for reminding viewers, "how great Congress could be when men like the Senator were there." Considering my on-air remembrance of the Senator was no more than 30 seconds long, I was surprised and delighted to learn that family members had been watching.
When I write an obituary for the broadcast, I always have the family in mind. It’s not why we do them, but they are an important audience. I try to envision people I don't know, dealing with the raw, initial sadness of loss...and I try to imagine how it must feel to hear of a family member's life and legacy—in the hands of a journalist who didn't know their loved one personally. Hearing from the family this evening re-affirmed my belief that we perform something of a service by choosing to remember those who've left us. After all, it may someday be said that we lived in the time of Mac Mathias.
