He Lived! He Lived!
April 9, 2008 by Tracee Sioux
Filed under Parenting
He Lived! He Lived! I shouted, choking back tears, when I saw a commercial for Diane Sawyer’s interview with Randy Pausch, the man who gave The Last Lecture, that airs tonight, April 9th at 10/9c on ABC.
If you haven’t seen The Last Lecture, a man’s last words to his family, and humanity, after he received a grim diagnosis of terminal cancer, you should watch it right now, here.
Won’t you watch it with me tonight? We’ll talk about it tomorrow. Bring tissues.
I saw him on Oprah and had to choke back the tears at his courage. What a wonderful man.
Tracee,
I just watched the Diane Sawyer show you referenced – The Last Lecture: Love Story for Your Life. Thank you so much for bringing this show to my attention. It was just outstanding. I certainly went through many tissues. Ultimately, though, I found myself inspired by this man’s philosophy on life, love for his family, and really having his priorities straight. I am grateful to have seen the show (which I hadn’t heard about before seeing it mentioned on your blog). The more people who see this show, The Last Lecture, or read the book that released today… the better. I’ll be checking to see if my library has the book. (Fortunately for me, my local library is really great about ordering new materials on a frequent basis. So they may very well plan to stock it).
Thanks!!
Jeanne
Jeanne – I am so happy for you. It really is a blessing to witness. I’m going to watch it again – I have nothing better to do with my time. We’re talking about it in today’s Blog Fabulous at http://www.blogfabulous.com/the-last-lecture/ . I hope you’ll join me.
I was thinking about Professor Randy Pausch who died today. He was a professor at Carnegie Mellon University and has a website if you are interested in reading about his life. Dr. Pausch made such an impact on the profession of teaching and his, “Last Lectures,” series has got me thinking about what is truly important. (You can view his last lecture on youtube) Dr. Randy talked about giving back and more importantly, having fun and enjoying the journey.
In nursing we are afforded such incredible opportunities to make a difference and to focus people on what is truly important. Randy did more in his last two years to touch humanity then most people do all of their lives. He loved what he did and was so appreciative of the opportunities which life had given him.
Yesterday I was offered a position by a large respected university in southern California. I am humbled by their offer which includes a chance to obtain a PhD. I hope I can continue to make an impact on my profession and students. I want to end my life in a similar manner with a great sense of appreciation and pride, knowing that I have made a difference.
Dr. Randy Pausch also exhorted people to be themselves. Dr. Seuss wrote this quote which Randy and I have always embraced. “Be yourself! Those that mind don’t matter and those that matter don’t mind.”
Thank you and God bless you Dr. Randy Pausch, for your commitment to excellence and fun. Your life proved that these two powerful forces are not mutually exclusive.
Bobbie-Ann Murphy
Nursing Faculty
All,
There is supposed to be an ABC news special program on tonight about Dr. Randy Pausch. I believe it airs at 10:00 pm but check your local listings to be sure.
Jeanne
P.S.
Bobbie-Ann,
Good luck pursuing your PhD. It’s wonderful that Dr. Pausch has inspired you to help others and make a difference. He sure was a special person to inspire so many to do so much!