I am certain that I’m not the only person who will be a bit subdued this Friday evening and perhaps for some Fridays to come. You see, in our house Friday evening means the PBS NewsHour and then Washington Week. Gwen Ifill, the host of Washington Week and co anchor of the NewsHour, died this past Monday due to cancer. No longer will her amazing smile and journalistic acumen fill our living room with warmth and knowledge.

John Dickerson of CBS News said it best in his tribute to Gwen.

Gwen’s smile. It was so strong it greeted you before you met her. You could read by the light of her smile…. (See here for Dickerson’s the full piece).

I share that same sentiment. I will never forget Gwen’s smile. The joy expressed by Gwen spoke of a woman who loved what she did, and she did it very well.

I didn’t always agree with everything I heard on Washington Week, who would, but I was always enlightened. The discussion of the week’s events was always in the context of a host who exuded a joy for life in the midst of all the challenges that life can bring our way.

And during this last chapter of her life, she had her own serious challenge that ultimately took her from us. Yet, she did not allow it to diminish that smile or that dedication to her profession. I can relate to the story I read, how that people who met her on the street would go up and give her a hug. I always thought how much I would like for my wife to share a meal with Gwen. I would have settled for a cup of coffee.

I grew up in a family that watched the news. From grade school on, I have watched or listened to a number of broadcast journalists. I have respected many of them; I have only shed tears over the passing of one. Gwen Ifill, may your memory inspire us to live life with joy and a commitment to excellence. You showed us how it’s done.