Dying young
The Last Lecture professor died today.
Randy Pausch battled pancreatic cancer for almost a year, giving a sensational lecture, writing a book and showing us all how to die well. He was 47.
Pausch seems like a really laidback, friendly sort, a self-proclaimed computer nerd who dreamed of working for Disney and winning those huge stuffed toys at fairs. At the time of his diagnosis, he seemingly had it all: a great job teaching, a wonderful wife and three young children.
That's what hurts.
Randy Pausch battled pancreatic cancer for almost a year, giving a sensational lecture, writing a book and showing us all how to die well. He was 47.
Pausch seems like a really laidback, friendly sort, a self-proclaimed computer nerd who dreamed of working for Disney and winning those huge stuffed toys at fairs. At the time of his diagnosis, he seemingly had it all: a great job teaching, a wonderful wife and three young children.
That's what hurts.
While I immediately felt for his wife and little ones, Pausch made a conscious decision not to dwell and boohoo about his situation, but spend every minute having fun and making memories with his family. He even dictated the book to a co-author while he biked so as not to take away from family time.
So thank you, Professor Pausch. I will reread your book and be present with my husband and with my kids as often as I can remind myself to savor every day, to choose to be happy.
Last year, on the first day of school, a father at Firstborn's school passed away after a three-month battle with lung cancer. (No, he didn't smoke.) Gerry left behind a brave wife and three little ones too, two boys and a little girl, just turned 2. Until the end, he wanted to fight but his wife finally said, no, don't suffer anymore. Their daughter still says her daddy is in the hospital when anyone asks. Or she will wake up at night crying saying she misses her daddy.
When this first happened, I didn't know what to say or do. Many parents gave cards with certificates for dinners or fun nights out for the kids. Gerry's wife asked for prayers. It still stops me cold to think I could die anytime and leave my boys, and have them struggle as Gerry's boys do, asking their mom, "Why do dads die?"
H., Gerry's wife, is admirable. She admits to her bad days, but she is strong. She has created a new life for her family and she is working hard. One thing she told me that I will remember always is how she now regrets every little fight, every minute when she gave Gerry the silent treatment when she was angry about some thing she forgets even now.
I am so worried these days about everything: the economy, our finances, my Mom getting older (she's 79), Hubby's new job, and problems I know people I love are struggling with. But someone like Randy Pausch reminds us to choose to be Tiggers and not Eeyores. That happiness is a choice and our disposition is more important than our circumstances.
So I'm blogging off now. Wonder Boy wants me to tie his Jedi Knight cape on and applaud his Star Wars poses.
Life calls!
So thank you, Professor Pausch. I will reread your book and be present with my husband and with my kids as often as I can remind myself to savor every day, to choose to be happy.
Last year, on the first day of school, a father at Firstborn's school passed away after a three-month battle with lung cancer. (No, he didn't smoke.) Gerry left behind a brave wife and three little ones too, two boys and a little girl, just turned 2. Until the end, he wanted to fight but his wife finally said, no, don't suffer anymore. Their daughter still says her daddy is in the hospital when anyone asks. Or she will wake up at night crying saying she misses her daddy.
When this first happened, I didn't know what to say or do. Many parents gave cards with certificates for dinners or fun nights out for the kids. Gerry's wife asked for prayers. It still stops me cold to think I could die anytime and leave my boys, and have them struggle as Gerry's boys do, asking their mom, "Why do dads die?"
H., Gerry's wife, is admirable. She admits to her bad days, but she is strong. She has created a new life for her family and she is working hard. One thing she told me that I will remember always is how she now regrets every little fight, every minute when she gave Gerry the silent treatment when she was angry about some thing she forgets even now.
I am so worried these days about everything: the economy, our finances, my Mom getting older (she's 79), Hubby's new job, and problems I know people I love are struggling with. But someone like Randy Pausch reminds us to choose to be Tiggers and not Eeyores. That happiness is a choice and our disposition is more important than our circumstances.
So I'm blogging off now. Wonder Boy wants me to tie his Jedi Knight cape on and applaud his Star Wars poses.
Life calls!
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