By Randy Pausch
I have an engineering problem. While for the most part I'm in terrific
physical shape, I have ten tumours in my liver and only a few months left to
live. I am a father of three young children, and married to the woman of my
dreams.
So, how to spend my very limited time? The obvious part is being with, and
taking care of, my family. The less obvious part is how to teach my children
what I would have taught them over the next 20 years. My desire to do that
led me to give a “last lecture”.
A lot of professors give talks titled “The Last Lecture”. It has become a
common exercise on American college campuses. Professors are asked to
ruminate on what matters most to them. And while they speak, audiences can't
help but mull over the same question: if we had to vanish tomorrow, what
would we want as our legacy?
Last year, at Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh, where I am Professor of Computer
Science, I was given the September slot. I already had pancreatic cancer
diagnosed, but I was optimistic. Maybe I'd be among the lucky ones who'd
survive.
In mid-August, however, I got the news: my most recent treatment hadn't
worked. I had just months to live.
I knew I could cancel. Everyone would understand. And yet, despite everything,
I couldn't shake the idea of giving the talk.
“They'll let me back out,” I told my wife, Jai, “but I really want to do it.”
Jai had always been my cheerleader. But we had just moved from Pittsburgh to
southeast Virginia so that after my death, she and the kids could be near
her family.
“Call me selfish,” Jai told me. “But I want all of you. Any time you'll spend
working on this lecture is lost time, because it's time away from the kids
and from me.” There was another matter upsetting Jai: to give the talk, I
would have to fly to Pittsburgh on her 41st birthday. “This is my last
birthday we'll celebrate together,” she told me. “You're actually going to
leave me on my birthday?”
Given Jai's reticence, I had to look honestly at my motivations. Was this talk
a limelight lover's urge to show off one last time? The answer was yes. But
there was something else. I reminded Jai of the kids' ages: 5, 2 and 1.
“Look,” I said. “At 5, I suppose that Dylan will grow up to have a few
memories of me. But how much will he really remember? And how about Logan
and Chloe? They may have no memories at all. Nothing.
“Especially Chloe. And I can tell you this: When they are older, they're going
to need achingly to know: ‘Who was my dad?' This lecture could help to give
them an answer to that.” Jai smiled at me, her dying showman, and finally
relented.
And so, with Jai's green light, I had a challenge before me. I didn't want the
lecture to focus on my cancer. Cancer didn't make me unique. My uniqueness,
I realised, came in the dreams - from incredibly meaningful to decidedly
quirky - that defined my 46 years of life. I had managed to fulfil almost
all of them because of things I was taught by extraordinary people along the
way.
My mother was a tough, old-school English teacher with nerves of titanium. Her
high expectations became my good fortune. My dad was a Second World War
medic who later ran a small car insurance business in inner-city Baltimore.
For a million reasons, he was my hero.
Money was never an issue in our house, mostly because my parents never saw a
need to spend much. We rarely went out to dinner. We'd see a movie maybe
once or twice a year. “Watch TV,” my parents would say. “It's free. Or
better yet, go to the library. Get a book.” It sounds oppressive by today's
standards, but it was a magical childhood. Growing up, I thought there were
two types of families:
1. Those who need a dictionary to get through dinner. 2. Those who don't.
We were No 1. “If you have a question,” my folks would say, “then find the
answer.” Open the encyclopedia. Open the dictionary. Open your mind.
My dad seemed to know everything. My mother, meanwhile, knew plenty, too. All
my life, she saw it as part of her mission to keep my cockiness in check.
When I was studying for my PhD, I took something called “the theory
qualifier”, which I can now definitively say was the second worst thing in
my life after chemotherapy. When I complained about how awful the test was,
she leant over, patted me on the arm and said, “We know just how you feel,
honey. And remember, when your father was your age, he was fighting the
Germans.” In 1969, when I was 8, my family went on a cross-country trip to
Disneyland. As I stood in line with all the other kids, all I could think
was “I can't wait to make stuff like this!” Two decades later, when I got my
PhD, I dashed off my letters of application. And Walt Disney Imagineering
sent me some of the nicest go-to-hell letters I'd ever received. That was a
setback. But I believe brick walls are there for a reason. They're not there
to keep us out. They are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want
something.
Fast-forward to 1995. I'd become a professor at the University of Virginia,
and I'd helped to build a system called “Virtual Reality on Five Dollars a
Day”. I learnt that Disney Imagineering was working on a virtual reality
project. It was a top secret Aladdin attraction that would allow people to
ride a magic carpet. I called Disney, was ridiculously persistent, and
eventually was connected to a guy named Jon Snoddy. He happened to be the
brilliant Imagineer running the team. After we chatted a while, I told Jon
I'd be coming to California. Could we get together? He told me OK. We could
have lunch.
At the end of the lunch, I made “the ask”. It was almost unheard of for
Imagineering to invite an academic inside its secretive operation, but he
thought it would be a fine idea if I took a sabbatical to work with them.
It was a fantasy come true. In fact, I have a confession. This is how geeky I
am: soon after I arrived in California, I drove over to Imagineering
headquarters with the soundtrack to Disney's The Lion King blasting on my
stereo. Tears actually began streaming down my face as I drove past the
building.
Here I was, the grown-up version of that wide-eyed eight-year-old at
Disneyland. I had finally arrived.
The most formidable brick wall I ever came upon was just 5ft 6in tall, and
absolutely beautiful. But it reduced me to tears. That brick wall was Jai.
We met in the autumn of 1998, when I gave a lecture at the University of
North Carolina. I was a 37-year-old bachelor who had spent a lot of time
having great fun, and then losing girlfriends who wanted to get more
serious. Jai was a 31-year-old comparative literature student working
part-time in the computer science department.
Her job was to host visitors and on that day, her job was to host me. I was
completely taken with her. I had to go to a formal faculty dinner that
night, but I asked if she'd meet me for a drink afterwards. She agreed.
During dinner I wished all those professors would just chew faster. I
convinced everyone not to order dessert. And I got out of there at 8.30 and
called Jai.
We went to a wine bar and ended up having a terrific time.
After I returned to Pittsburgh, I asked Jai to visit me. She was scared of my
reputation and of the possibility that she was falling in love.
“I'm not coming,” she wrote in an e-mail. “I've thought it through and I'm not
looking for a long-distance relationship. I'm sorry.” This was a brick wall
I could manage. I sent her a dozen roses and a card that read: “Although it
saddens me greatly, I respect your decision and wish you nothing but the
best. Randy.” She got on the plane.
We saw each other almost every weekend through the winter and, eventually, I
asked her to move to Pittsburgh. I knew she was still scared but she did
agree to moving up and getting her own apartment.
In April, however, Jai told me: “I'm sorry. This will never work. I just don't
love you the way you want me to love you.” And then again, for emphasis: “I
don't love you.” I was heartbroken. Could she really mean that?
I spent much of the rest of that day on the phone to my parents, telling them
about the brick wall I'd just smashed into. Their advice was incredible. “Be
supportive,” my mom said. “If you love her, support her.” And so I spent
that week hanging out in an office up the hall from Jai.
I stopped by a couple of times, however, just to see if she was all right. “I
just wanted to see how you are,” I'd say. “If there's anything I can do, let
me know.” A few days later, Jai called. “Well, Randy, I'm sitting here
missing you. That means something, doesn't it?” She was in love, after all.
Brick walls are there for a reason. They give us a chance to show how badly we
want something.
There are so many things I want to tell my children, and right now, that
they're too young to understand. Dylan just turned 6. Logan is 3. Chloe is
18 months old. It pains me to think that they won't have a father. When I
cry in the shower, a percentage of my sadness is, “I won't, I won't, I
won't...” But a bigger part of me grieves for them.
I keep thinking: “They won't... they won't... they won't.” That's what chews
me up inside, when I let it.
I know their memories of me may be fuzzy. That's why I'm trying to do things
with them that they'll find unforgettable.
Dylan and I went to swim with dolphins. When a kid swims with dolphins, he
doesn't easily forget it. I'm going to bring Logan to Disney World, a place
that I know he'll love as much as I do.
I'm aware that Chloe may have no memory of me at all. But I want her to grow
up knowing that I was the first man ever to fall in love with her. I'd
always thought the father/daughter thing was overstated. But I can tell you,
sometimes, she looks at me and I just become a puddle.
When they're older. Jai might talk to them about my optimism, the way I
embraced having fun, the high standards I tried to set in my life. She may
diplomatically tell them some of the things that made me exasperating; like
my insistence (too often) that I know best.
But she's modest, and she might not tell the kids this: that in our marriage,
she had a guy who deeply, truly loved her. “Lucky” is a strange word to
describe my situation, but a part of me does feel fortunate. Cancer has
given me the time to have vital conversations with Jai that wouldn't be
possible if my fate were a heart attack or a car accident.
What are we talking about? We both try to remember that some of the best
advice we have ever heard comes from flight attendants: “Put on your own
oxygen mask before assisting others.” Jai knows that she will have to give
herself permission to make herself a priority. I've also reminded her that
she's going to make mistakes. If I were to live, we would be making them
together and she shouldn't attribute them all to the fact that she'll be
raising the kids herself.
It's possible that she will find the children's teenage years the most
challenging. Having been around students all my life, I'd like to think that
I would come into my own as a father. So I'm sorry I won't be there.
The good news, though, is that other people - friends and family - will want
to help, and Jai plans to let them.
As for the obvious question, well, here's my answer: most of all, I want Jai
to be happy. If she finds happiness through remarriage, that will be great.
If she finds happiness without remarrying, that also will be great.
As I prepared to give my last lecture, I wanted some way to show how much I
love and appreciate Jai. Near the end, I arranged to have a large birthday
cake with a single candle wheeled on to the stage. I explained that I hadn't
given Jai a proper birthday, and thought it might be nice if I could get 400
people to sing to her. They applauded and began singing Happy Birthday.
I had no idea what I would do or say after that. But as Jai came towards me on
the stage, impulse took over. We embraced and kissed. The crowd kept
applauding.
We heard them, but it was like they were miles away. As we held each other,
Jai whispered something in my ear. “Please don't die.” It sounds like
Hollywood dialogue. But that's what she said. I just hugged her more
tightly.
© Randy Pausch 2008. Extracted from The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch with
Jeffrey Zaslow, to be published by Hodder & Stoughton on April 17 at
£12.99. It is available from Times BooksFirst for £11.69. 0870 1608080,
timesonline.co.uk/booksfirst
Thank you for writing the book. we enjoyed reading it.
I am a computational chemistry professor and have long concluded that we learn more from poor results than from good ones because the poor ones tell us what is wrong with our model. Is there somewhere in your book saying something similar?
del chong, vancouver, canada
Having excellent parents is like having a running start to a good life and successful career. Your lecture is helping multiple generations to learn skills that were not acquired at home. Thank you. Your kids will grow up proud of their dad. They'll always know who you are, and you'll always BE. Thx.
Michele Voytilla, Kingman, USA
Hi Randy and family,
As a 6.5 year survivor, I am so impressed and grateful for your story. I think of you and pray for you and your family every day. You are truly an inspiration. You will always be alive in your children. I pray for a miracle for you to be able to watch them grow. God bless.
Claudia P., Montclair, NJ, USA
Professor Randy, I just read your story through television and had your lecture through the internet, but I believe that would not be your last lecture, you gave us so much courage and strength to face our "brick walls". We will be with you. May God bless you and your family.
Thank you.
Wang Kai , Shaanxi, China
Dear Randy & family,
The world is not ready to let you go. Only God knows if this is truly your last lecture, because one should "never under estimate the power of prayer", and you have so many people praying for you! You have touched millions of lives, including me, in a way I could have never imagined. Your last lecture should be required reading! God bless you and your family for sharing something so private. Thank you for reminding us how precious life is. Your children are so blessed to have you & Jai. You are such a remarkable person and a breath of fresh air. I pray you beat this! Don't give up!
Kathy Heiman, Independence, MO
Jai - thank you for letting Randy give his 'last lecture'. If not for your willingness to share what little time you have left with him, millions of people would not have had the opportunity to learn what a wonderful, intelligent, loving man you married. I hope that Randy, you and your children realize that you have a very large extended network of people praying for you. You are such a strong woman, I know that you'll come through this tragedy and continue to be the wonderful mother and role model your children will need in the years to come. Thank you for showing the world how to be graceful in the face of adversity.
Linda Swanger, Harrisburg, Pa
Randy
After seeing your special on TV the other night you have inspired me to live my life different. I am 57 and sad because I have no purpose after raising six children. Thank you for lighting my heart to live and be thankful. My prayers are with you and your family, I admire all of you. I know God must be using you in a mighty way and your life is lesson to all of us to Live. we waste so much life in the tomorrow and past.
Colleen Arkansas
colleen, beebe, Arkansas
Hi Randy,
I have been hearing about this "Last Lecture" from others including my adult children for a while. The other night, I was watching the news and they were talking about your new book. They showed your picture and I did think that you looked familiar. Then when your name showed on the screen, I let out a huge scream. We graduated from Oakland Mills High School together in 1978. Wow!!! you were a really nice and funny guy then. Look what you have accomplished in your life. You are a true inspiration, not only to your wife and kids. But, to all those who knew you back then and now. I truly believe that some things happen for a reason. Not necessarily your cancer. However, right now in this country, we all need some inspiration. As a mother myself, you always wish that you live long enough for your children to remember you. Well, Jai will keep those memories about you alive. They have a father who really wanted them and loved them. Good Luck to you!!! Miracles do happen!!
Tracy Gorda-Bacon, Columbia , Maryland
After seeing your interview on Wednesday night, I can't get you or your family out of my mind. You're words are the most inspiring I have read in along time. I can't wait to read your entire book. You are my new hero! May God bless you, Randy.
Jenny, Cincinnati, Ohio
Randy I have kept up on your website as far as your health, I keep hoping for something good to happen that will keep you here with your family but I feel you had a "mission" that couldn't be accomplished without the cancer. You have helped so many in the last months....I am giving the high school seniors I know a copy of you book this year and getting some to keep for when my grandsons graduate a few years down the road. I read something once that Andy Griffith said that I keep close....."I firmly believe that in every situation, no matter how difficult, God extends grace greater than the hardship and strength and peach of mind that can lead us to a place higher than where we were before." I watched the interview Wednesday night with my husband and was once again speechless (I'm not usually!). I thank your family for allowing us to be a part of this.
Debbie, Garnett, ks
Incredible!
Grace, Randolph,
Randy,
You are the most incredible person! I watched Diane Sawyer's 20/20 and thought it was one of the most profound hours I've ever spent in front of a television set. I am saddened that you won't be with us for all to see what your work would have been when you turned 80, but we are all VERY FORTUNATE that you have given us your words and you very positive outlook on life to treasure. I wish the best for you and your family, and many many good days ahead!
CINDI VERBELUN, Cleveland, OH
Randy,
I lost my husband (46 years young) to suicide in November of 2006. Our 20 year old son and I found him. Ironically, he had done this 20 minutes before the bus was coming with our daughter (who was 12 at the time). We got the bus redirected away from home. We had just celebrated our 25th Anniversary that September. I don't know which is harder, losing someone unexpectedly or preparing for that time. I do know every emotion Jai will go through. I can tell you what this lonliness is like. I can tell you that the kids go on much easier than the remaining spouse. And be assured they don't ever forget the parent they have lost. You have made an incredible impression on not only your family, but so many others around the country. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you! God Bless all of you! And he IS with all of you.
Karen, Columbia City, Indiana
Dear Randy & Jai: I watched Diane Sawyer's interview with You two last night. I cried from the beginning and pray that you might have a 'miracle' Randy. I lost my 40 year old daughter and my dear Irish father said to me "Sorrow would have us were it not for Bethlehem" and I say the same thing to you Jai. I am sure that the Lord has something wonderful for you to do Randy. or perhaps your book "The Last Lecture" and your life will touch enough souls and we will all be changed for the better because of you! God Bless Your children are so beautiful!
Pat Willey, Parksville, British Columbia, Canada
Dear Randy , Saw you on TV 20/20 watched on the net God Bless you and you lovely family .. thank you Nora Turnbull .. Warwick NY
NORA TURNBULL, warwick , ny
Dear Randy:
I lost my dear brother to pancreatic cancer in October 2005 when he was 57 years young, so I do understand your situation. Your inspirational words on Primetime would have helped my family during my brother's illness, when we spent too much emotional energy on "why Bill, why now". I look forward to reading your book for comfort, as I still grieve. Better to prepare for the unknown challenges ahead and draw strength from your words. Yes, we need more people like you in positions of leadership and in our spheres of influence to make this world a better place. Thank you.
S. Hootkins, Petaluma, USA/CA
Hello Randy,
This brought me to tears.I lost my parents and little sister in a car accident 6 months ago.I'm 21.I assure you , you made the right choice.It would mean everything to your kids to know who their father was,it would mean the world to them.Although they'll miss you, they'll be glad they have a memory of their dad to cherish,which someone else might not even have.
This has been incredibly inspiring.It's love and only love that lives on.
Adarsh, Bangalore, India
Randy,
You have been a wonderful inspiration to so many people. Now this next part may seem arrogant to you (it's mere conviction to me), but you have admitted that you are no stranger to arrogance, so here it goes: I see God in you Randy. You don't seem to acknowledge Him, but He's there whether you like it or not. Remember, just because you can't see Him doesn't mean He's not there. He's no less than those fairies dancing on your lawn that you referred to in your Diane Sawyer interview. No scientist can tell you He isn't in you and with you every step of the way. You are a beautiful soul and a beautiful reflection of what He has intended. So are Jai and your children. Keep fighting the fight, Randy. Know that I pray God wrap you and your beautiful family in His loving and protective arms and grant you all peace and comfort, love and joy through this journey on earth and your own journey hereafter. God Bless You and Your Family.
Maggie, Ocean City,
I was flipping through channels last night and something told me to stop...I saw the interview with you and Diane Sawyer. I don't know you, nor have I ever heard of you..but you touched my heart. You changed my life, giving me a new perspective. I went to bed praying for you and your family. I prayed that God would be good to you and your family. Your words, your being, your love for your wife and family inspired me. people like you are hard to find, I am so lucky to have been graced by your words. You are a gift, an inspiration and you are what the world needs more of.
Thank you, God Bless,
Kim Stone, Brattleboro, Vt
Kim Stone, Brattleboro, Vt
Randy,
You will leave this world a better place than it was when you entered. Isn't that what we should all strive for? I have watched your lecture countless times to remind myself of what is important. I am choosing to live life and embrace all it has in store for me. I am going to treat my wife with the rspect and admiration she deserves. I am going to tell my two children "I love you" , each and every day. I am going to eat better and exercise more. I want live to see my children grow up. We are not promised tomorrow. At 35 years old I thought I was over having heros. You are my Hero. Thank you for your gift.
Jason Trottier, Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada
hello randy
just want to let you know-that your children are so blessed in the net you have been providing them with.YOU and YOUR WIFE are doing a great in providing them with these memories that he will be able to see and hear. I am a mother of a 16 year old who constantly insists on allowing him to have a wall to express himself in his room,and from watching the prime time special I TOTALLY felt like you were talking to me.why worry about the wall-just be like tigger.GOOD LUCK W/ALL YOUR DREAMS.AND BELIEVE ME your children will appreciate all you are doing in these difficult but educational times.GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
VANESSA VALENTIN, HAWTHORNE, NJ/USA
Randy,
Our son was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2006. He had the same chemo as you, he had the therasphere treatment, he had liver resection and he is still going strong--he is a high school coach---so many of your thoughts and experiences were similar to his.
Thanks for sharing your journey---and may it be a long one.
Oh yes, our son's prognosis was that he would not be here now---may your prognosis be as incorrect.
Annie Markham, Wichita,
Randy: You are like a light that will never go out. I heard your lecture and your courage and dignity is beyond words. I wish you and your family blessings and your children will have your brillant words of wisdom to cherish forever although they will not have you and that is more then any father can give. I realize you would rather be here to see them grow up and of course what father wouldn't. You are an inspiration to millions and I was never so moved by anyone and totally admire you in every aspect as a man; loving husband and father and son. May God Bless you and your family. You will live on in so many lives and that you can be grateful. People like you can change the world and I am sure you must feel that you did make your mark on the world to last forever. I am buying your book and will treasure your words always.
KJ, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
I saw you on TV last night (4/9/08) and was overwhelmed and in awe of you. You are an inspiration to all. You are so wonderful. You're so courageous and just so inspiring, I really don't have the words to say...You are the epitome of dignity, courage. GOD BLESS YOU!
Natasha Burnett, Memphis, TN, USA?TN
Hello Randy,
i just saw ur lecture and immediately began looking for every piece of info or footage of you. You are a great light of becon for all humanity. i am downloading a copy of ur lecture and buying ur book to share with my family and my daughter. i am 18 yrs of and have a 7 mo old daughter. Through ur lecture i saw what kind of a parent i want to be. The love for ur wife and children is remarkable and how it ought to be. i wish u the best. i admire ur wife for having the strenght and courage shes had and i want to thank you. What touched me from your lecture were not only ur words but ur eyes.Thank u for being so genuine. in years to come your kids will know they have the greatest dad. i say this in present tense because u truly have left a legacy for them and the world. once again i Applaude you.
Best wishes!!! DYLAN, LOGAN AND CHLOE YOU HAVE THE MOST REMARKABLE DAD IN THE WORLD!!!!
Jessica, El Paso, Texas
Hello Randy & family,
In Sept 05, I was diagnosed w/ an inoperable malignant brain tumor. The neurosurgeon said " 3-6 mo " without chemo. Closer to Christmas my oncologist said, "ONLY THE BIG GUY UP THERE KNOWS" pointing the ceiling. Fast forward to 4/08, I have had wonderful response to radiation and chemo. Being positive is hard sometimes. But a quick mental note reassures me there are individuals/families in worse situations than Cancer. With prayers from around the world, I hope you will be given the opportunity to lecture and write books for many years to come.
Debbie, Terre Haute, Ind
Wow. Your courage and dignity under these circumstances awes me. I pray for many more blessings to you and your family - you have already blessed those if us who read the book (yes, I read mine in a day - today!)Life is for LIVING, and you are truly living yours.
Thank you, Randy, for your gift.
Lynne Blackwell, Shorter, AL
It is difficult to read but its brilliant. I can't put into words what this story means to me as I only recently lost my own father to Cancer.
I still don't understand how someone who is dying can be so amazing with their approach to the end and softening the inevitable family devastation afterwards.
This is probably the most insightful and inspirational thing I've ever read.
Keith, Rochester, England
Your lecture and interview totally captivated me....in fact, I haven't been able to stop thinking about you since. You are certainly an inspiration. I have ordered your book and will always treasure your words of wisdom. One can only hope to face such a prognosis with the grace, composure and bravery that you have shown. Be assured that your memory will live on forever in the hearts of your wife and your beautiful children and as well, with the thousands of others you have touched through this lecture and book and who now feel they know and love you. May your remaining time be gentle and kind. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Linda, London, Ontario, Canada
Randy and Jai: You have both been quite an inspiration. You have touched so many lives but to me, you have touched a part of my soul that I had long thought lost since the death of my father. Live shouldn't be lived from on tragedy to the next, but should be lived for each breathing moment we have. Thank you for your wonderful words of inspiration and for opening something in me that I thought I had lost. I can only hope to aspire to the Tigger kind of life for whatever time I have left, but I will definately try! Thank you for sharing and opening up your life and hearts so that others may learn!
Nadine, Mesquite, Texas
Randy, God bless you and your family. Though 40 now, I also lost my father at the age of 2--and have longed to know the first man to ever love me...how fortunate your family is that there will be no question about how you feel.
roni, west chester, oh
Randy....I envy you and your wife for having such a lovely friendship. I'm struggling through some marital problems now and have two young kids. You've made me think of how lucky I am and shoot for something more for my family. God bless you. You are never alone and never unloved.
Kimberly Bernard, Mason, , USA/Ohio
I have a 38 year old brother who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer Sept. 2006. He is such a terrific guy also with a son named Logan. Why do all the good men go? I guess that will be a question to ask God one day. We need men like you and my brother to keep the world going in the right direction. Your lecture is truly inspirational and oddly enough my brother has the same attitude as you do and he is extremely upbeat. I guess the real question is why can't the world be a simple place? Where there are still people like you and my brother and a handful of my friends and my family who still believe in right or wrong (no gray area). Who still want simplicity and good and kind and loving but our world has gotten out of control. Do you think we can go back to a simplier life or have we just gone to far . Respect is lacking and so is putting others first. We are a me, me, me society and it pains me.
God blessed all of us by putting you in our lives. Have peace my friend.
d.jones, kingwood/, texas
From today, your words changed my life forever.
Kam, London, UK
What a smart man you are Mr. Randy Pausch. I learned alot from you watching Primetime last night. I have struggled for the past 5 yrs w/ an injury and have never felt sorry for myself, but for my daughter whom I raise alone. I have always stayed positive and know that there are others who have it WAY worse
than I do. You made me realize how strong I've been and to keep going no matter what - for me... not just for my daughter. The oxygen thing, yes, how can I be the best for her if I don't take care of myself first.
My heart goes out to you and your family. They are so lucky to have had you even for a short time. I'm sure they will carry your strength and outlook on life w/ them forever. If you touched sooo many people in an hours time, I can just imagine the love and guidance your family has received. Thank you for your powerful words and attitude on life, I will always remember them and you.
Jennfier, San Francisco, CA
Betty from Derby. I will tell you why - he is not cynical enough - by a very long way. God bless him and his family. He has left them a very significant legacy.
Tom, Northallerton,
Randy, you are such an inspiration. My husband lived more than three years after being diagnosed with cancer. May God Bless you and heal you.
EP Heard, Fayetteville, GA
I was deeply moved by Randy and his beautiful family, an inspiration and comfort to families with similar situations. Thank you and God bless you.
Angelica Lussich, Montevideo, Uruguay
I have been praying for you daily. You are a remarkable man. My best friend died in 1985 at the age of 35 of pancreatic cancer and she left behind 3 small children - sons who were 10 and 6 years old, and an 18-month old daughter. I can say from experience that you are doing the most important thing for your children - making memories with them and giving them memories of you. You are right, your Chloe will have no real memory of you, but through your friends and family, she will know you. Your book is a wonderful legacy and memory to leave to them. I have many more things I would like to tell you about and some advice from what I have seen and know from the experience of the children of my friend. God Bless You.
Linda Demeshko, Sterling Heights, Michigan/USA
Dear Randy, what are the three things you should teach your children, 1. Show your gratitude. 2. Always tell the truth. I didn't get the third one and I would be so happy if you could tell me the third one. I want my grandchild to know these. You inspire!! God Bless Sharon Baron
Sharon Baron, Port Angeles, WA
Dear Randy and Jai:
I lost my dear husband to pancreatic cancer 18 months ago so your story has touched my heart in many ways. I truly understand all of the emotions that you and your family are experiencing. Both of you are an inspiration....I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
May God bless all of you....
Marty - Iowa
Marty, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
I watched your segment on Dateline last night and felt an immediate kinship with you. I was diagnosed with a brain tumor 10 years ago and given three months to live. I too do not know how not to be happy and have lived with the mantra -"Enjoy the good times while they are here as the future is still a day away."
I purchased your book for myself and my two children, not as a reminder, but as a lesson on how to LIVE life! What a gift you have given the world.
Thank You,
Judi Gillingham, Edison , NJ
Judi Gillingham, Edison, NJ
Dear Randy ,
You gave many of us a fresh lesson of love, family value, life and death. You are a great man and will live in many hearts for many years. May god give you and your loved ones strength and peace.
A. W. Ahmed, Bloomingdale, Illinois
While reading this and watching you with Diane Sawyer, I found myself smiling instead of crying (as usual). I could not believe how eloquently your words were spoken. They seemed so deep and profound yet the obviousness was like a slap in the face - especially the "I don't know how to not be happy." I could not agree with you more! I hope to take these words and apply them to my life and instill them in my daughter as well. Thank you, Randy. God Bless!
Tina, Alabama,
I have just returned from the book store where I joyfully purchased a dozen copies of The Last Lecture.
I am sending it to a dozen friends and family asking them that after they have red it they pass it to someone they care for "and so on"
What a gift Randy has given me..to pass on....
Thank you
Lynda Kidd, Delray Beach, Fl
God bless you and your family...and thank you for sharing with all of us. The strength and dignity you and Jai have is such an inspiration and will be an everlasting legacy to your three beautiful children. You will surely be in the thoughts and prayers of millions of us.
Suzy, Houston, TX
You are so far now yet your words ring so true. Life is beautiful, Randy. thanks
John Ku, Nairobi,
Just read this article by Randy Pausch and can say quit happily that it brought me to tears and I am glad of the reminder of what we loose sight of and hope it stays with me.
I thank him for this and hope his children will be told how he touched peoples lives and thats a gift in it's self .
All the best to him , his family and friends .
Veronica, Preston, UK
A must read for all walks of life. What an amazing gift to mankind. Randy, we will never forget you.
Teresa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
I have no words to describe how inspirational this man is.
I am often an angry person with no motives and feel ashamed when I read thing like this.
I am sure you´re family will be fine once you´re gone, for you´ve left them with a beautiful legacy... you.
teresa, sao paulo, brazil
Tears rolled down my cheeks, not in pity for you, but instead tears for the courage you show, the desire to leave a legacy and the honest to goodness commitment to your wife and children, your unconditional love.
I am also battling a crippling disease, but you have reminded me. BRICK WALLS AREN'T THERE TO STOP US. I TRULY DO WANT IT MORE.
Tomorrow I will roll around with my two young sons. I will give them color crayons to let them explore, and let them tell me of their wonderous stories.
1. This was the best thing that happened to me today.
2. The worst thing that happened to me today; well, I allowed myself to doubt and hide.
Kapiolani, Honolulu, HI
Dear Randy & family,
My heart goes to you and yours. My husband was diagnosed with pulmanary hypertenison, it is rare and incuriable. We are uncertian of any type of time frame. You have helped me see things differently, we have 3 kids also, 19,11,8. I always wondered weather or not I should tell the two younger ones about how sick their dad really is. I now know that I will wait. What you and your wife said on Primetime made so much sense. I will hope and pray for you and you family. You have by far the best out look I have ever seen and I wish it could be bottle and sold for research on all horriable illnesses. With that I would like to say THANK YOU. Bless your family.
Cathy Ridenour, Southgate, Michigan
fantastic. words fail me
Rob, Wallasey,
Thanks for your uber courage. It should make all of us feel so small.
Sophia, Tamarin, Mauritius
I saw the last lecture and was moved to tears by his inspirational words.
But I wold jut like to know......
Why arent there more people like him running the country ?
betty, derby, uk
All I can say is WOW!! what an inspiration you are to all of us. I lost my mom to colon cancer 6 years ago and I tried to enjoy every moment with her..I only wish she could have read your speech. We actually had time to talk and spent time with each other, to see her in pain was so hard but at the end everything was peaceful. Thank you Randy and we are all here for you.
Monse, San Diego, CA
Incredibly poignant and inspirational - a brave, brave man.
Richard Scotney, Cottingham, East Yorkshire
This was very hard to read. Inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time. This must have been how my own father must have felt before his death at age 42. I am now 43, and have tried to "live like I am dying" every day. Thank you, Randy, for pointing out to all of us how precious and short life is.
I can only hope that my time comes to an end, I can face it in such a giving manner.
Michael Williams, Los Angeles, the former USA
Thank you.
Debbi, Anaheim, CA
Randy, dont worry: your kids will remember you and feel extremely proud of their dad. Thank you for your words and your example of courage and strenght, you are really a remarkable man. I only hope that, when my own hour comes, I will have the half of your dignity and light.
Antonio, Porto,