Whether it was the tragedy of September 11th, the first air strikes of war, or a World Series victory, Peter Jennings was the man whose dulcet tones soothed me and reassured me, letting me know everything would be alright. He had the ability to break the bad news calmly and share the good news with a joyous lilt in his voice.

He spoke humbly when he announced four months ago that he had a lot to learn from the 10,000,000 Americans living with cancer. When it was reported that he would be having chemotherapy, all of the medical correspondents predicted the worst. Ever since he announced his lung cancer diagnosis, I have waited patiently to hear his voice announce his remission. I selfishly needed the reassurance that he would triumph. I needed to know that if he could survive his diagnosis, then anything was possible for the many people I know facing cancer. And anything was possible for my own longevity. Selfish. Completely. But then again, that is what Peter did best. He brought the world into our homes and, in that safety, helped us to relate it to our own lives.

Peter Jennings earned our trust. He made a difference in this world and in our homes. His life will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.