Being faced with death brings out a person's true self, be it their best or their worst self, the strongest one comes screaming to the front of the line. I sincerely hope that I learn from Randy Pausch's example.He doesn't think he's extraordinary or special or heroic. He's just living life to the fullest for as long as it lasts and teaching his students at Carnegie Mellon University a few things along the way. But, unlike me, he has an approximate date, a fixed point in time when all the fun will end. Randy is dieing with pancreatic cancer.
When he found out he was terminally ill he gave his last lecture to his students, one designed to teach the most important lesson we can learn - how to truly live before we die. A short version of this lesson is the basis for my 2/24/08 post. Please watch it. It is powerful.
Today I found a Randy's update site where he keeps his students apprised of his health and progress. Six months after his lecture he's had positive results from chemotherapy that will buy him more time. He's written a book with Jeff Zaslow to be published in April. And he's testified before congress about pancreatic cancer.
I'm so glad I found out about this man and will never forget what he said in his lecture about brick walls. They are not there to stop me. They are there for me to find a way around them and to prove my determination and worthiness to reach my goal, not to stop me.
4 comments:
Hi Lisa,
As always, this is an inspiring post. As such, I want to let you know, in case you did not receive my shout at Blog Catalog that JD and I have invited you to join our Midnight Wanderers group. I respect your writing, and I believe that you practice the craft of writing with the same ideals which we wish to perpetuate with this society of authors. Please know that you are not obligated in anyway, and we understand and appreciate any decision you make regarding your response. The rules are simple, and respectfully request that you continue to do what you do here and proudly display the Wanderers emblem. You do not have to link to anyone or do anything else. This is merely a recognition of your work. Still, I respect your writing, and I come here for inspiration. Thanks. -Mike
Mike,
I am very honored. You can count me as a member. I'll go read the rules again and post the banner. This is a great thing you and JD are doing. I'm happy to be included.
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
I am so glad that you are now a member. This is going to be big. Feel free to contact me from the e-mail link on my blog for anything. I let JD know that you are aboard and we are going to ad you to the Midnight Wanderer's blogroll sections of our blogs. You are not obligated to do the same; but we do that because we are keeping track of everyone that way. If you need help putting up the image, let me know. Tell me any ideas you have, and congratulations!
Cheers!
Mike
You got it. I'll have the banner up by tomorrow. I'm excited and can't wait to check out the other bloggers who are members.
Lisa
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