- A special shout out to you dads who aren’t going to be at home with your families. Whether you’re in Iraq, Afghanistan, on travel, or stuck in a hospital, etc…. I hope you’re able to connect with your loved ones by phone, email, or in some way on this special day called Fathers Day.

- For those of you who aren’t friendly with, or close to your dads, and have grown apart, Fathers Day is a great opportunity to reach out, as awkward as it can be, and tell your dad you still love them. Most of us dads are far from perfect, and in some cases we can be downright jerks. But, you’re only issued one dad in life, and your dad is the best dad you’ve ever had! I wouldn’t recommend waiting for dad to break the ice because we dads are a stubborn and stupid bunch of fellas.

- My dad died a long time ago when he was just 60 years old. At the time he had one grandkid who was just one year old. He’d have a dozen or so if he were alive today. To think about all he’s missed is heartbreaking. If only he had quit smoking he may be here today enjoying life as a proud grandfather. Take care of your health dads! If not for yourself, then for your families and future grandkids that need you!

- Finally, for those of you who knew Tim Russert you were undoubtedly shocked to learn of his sudden death yesterday. He was 58 years old and in his prime as a journalist. More then a journalist, he was a man who loved his parents, loved his kids, and loved the things that shaped his life, like the Buffalo Bills and other sports teams he grew up admiring. He wrote some “dad books” in recent years that we could all learn a few valuable lessons from. A couple of his great books…

My dad got me hooked on watching the Sunday morning political talk shows when I was 18 years old and I’ve watched them ever since. Tim and Meet the Press was one show that I’d never miss and one of only two Sunday morning shows I tivo. There will be a lot of watery eyes tomorrow morning and Sunday morning won’t be the same without him. My heart goes out to the Russert family.