This week, the political and journalistic world was rocked by the news that columnist Charles Krauthammer had only weeks to live. The news came from Charles himself in a characteristically elegant and simple goodbye. I have been personally devastated by the news. I have known Charles for many years and there are few people who I respect more. He is truly one of the most brilliant and interesting individuals I have ever known.
A diehard Nationals fan, Charles and I would watch games together when my Cubs played his Nats. It was a running competition between us as our teams competed each year. Sitting with Charles at a game was one of my great pleasures. Every conversation (no matter the subject) with Charles had a profound and honest character. We would talk about our Dads, kids, politics, and most importantly baseball.
I will not say more at this time because I am still trying to get my mind right with the news. This town without Charles would simply not be the same place for me.
I wanted to share his letter with you in case you have not seen it. It is true and honest and direct . . . just like my friend Charles Krauthammer:
I have been uncharacteristically silent these past ten months. I had thought that silence would soon be coming to an end, but I’m afraid I must tell you now that fate has decided on a different course for me.In August of last year, I underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor in my abdomen. That operation was thought to have been a success, but it caused a cascade of secondary complications – which I have been fighting in hospital ever since. It was along and hard fight with many setbacks, but I was steadily, if slowly, overcoming each obstacle along the way and gradually making my way back to health.However, recent tests have revealed that the cancer has returned. There was no sign of it as recently as a month ago, which means it is aggressive and spreading rapidly. My doctors tell me their best estimate is that I have only a few weeks left to live. This is the final verdict. My fight is over.I wish to thank my doctors and caregivers, whose efforts have been magnificent. My dear friends, who have given me a lifetime of memories and whose support has sustained me through these difficult months. And all of my partners at The WashingtonPost, Fox News, and Crown Publishing.Lastly, I thank my colleagues, my readers, and my viewers, who have made my career possible and given consequence to my life’s work. I believe that the pursuit of truth and right ideas through honest debate and rigorous argument is a noble undertaking. I am grateful to have played a small role in the conversations that have helped guide this extraordinary nation’s destiny.I leave this life with no regrets. It was a wonderful life — full and complete with the great loves and great endeavors that make it worth living. I am sad to leave, but I leave with the knowledge that I lived the life that I intended.