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Every Sunday morning, I roll over, turn on my television at 8 a.m. to watch The Rev.Charles Stanley. Inevitably, I nod off during Stanley. But my body clock springs alert at 9 a.m. for "Meet the Press" and Tim Russert.

This Sunday won't be the same.

As you know, Russert, the dean of modern political journalists, died Friday afternoon doing the job he loved. Whether you liked Russert or not -- and I did -- you had to respect his fairness, his thoroughness and his tone. Sometimes, even I would cringe for guests when Russert reached into the archives and pulled one of his trademark moves, tripping up his subjects with their own words. Yet, Russert wasn't one of those screaming heads, but a calm, rational presence who sought to hold decisionmakers accountable. His "clear voice," as Tom Brokaw put it, will be particularly missed as the country braces for a pivotal and historical presidential election.

As an aside, Russert's death should be a wake-up call to employees and employers alike as workers put in longer and longer hours in today's more-with-less, profit-driven environment. Americans woke up with Tim Russert on the Today Show, and they went to bed with him on MSNBC, particularly after a major political event. A fellow journalist noted that Russert always answered the call when he was asked to share his political insights on one of NBC's many news outlets. I am not a physician, but that takes its tolll. We also have to pay attention to our bodies. You can work and work a machine, but eventually it wears down.

On Friday afternoon, Tim Russert wore down. Sunday morning won't be the same.

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