A Large Life

Like many Americans, I spent September 11, 2001, and several subsequent days, in front of my television. Within hours, I had settled, not on one network, but on one person: Peter Jennings. The depth of his intelligence, and his compassion, was a comfort and an illumination. I feel today that I have lost a friend.

Comments

[Roberta]

The felt sad all day after I heard the news this morning. I literally gasped when I read about Jenning's death. I really thought he'd get better, I was looking forward to seeing him anchor again. I think I never doubted that he'd get better because he seemed strong, like Lance Armstrong in a strange way. Maybe strong isn't the word but utterly determined.

[Rachel]

This is what I posted on my other blog:

Peter Jennings (1938-2005).

It's been awhile since a public figure's death has touched me.

My mother and I had a very specific weeknight news routine throughout my junior high and high school years - Peter Jennings on ABC, then MacNeil/Lehrer News Hour on PBS. Although I switched to sporadically watching NBC for nightly news in recent years, I always sought out Jennings reporting on major events such as 9/11 and election nights in addition to NBC's coverage. He piqued my interest when he became a US citizen after so many years reporting on our elections. I was saddened to hear of his lung cancer diagnosis in April and wondered if it would progress like my uncle's diagnosis of nine years ago did.

I think I will be watching ABC news shows tomorrow to see the tributes that will undoubtedly flow throughout the day.

[SB]

Thanks, Rachel. I doubt that there are many people in this world whose loss will be felt as his will.

[Jim Dermitt]

I'm a dropout too.