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