The Last Lecture...Don't Miss This!

[Native Vail Gal]

I was made aware of this man's story last Christmas when my Mom & Dad gave all of us a copy of "The Last Lecture" on DVD by Randy Pausch. This is a 46 year old man who has a wife, 2 darling children and is a Professor teaching and touching the lives of many college students at Carnegie Mellon University. It is a tradition, and honor, to be asked to give "The Last Lecture" to the graduating class of that year. This last September, Randy Pausch was asked to give the speech.

Last night, Mr. NVG & I watched the Diane Sawyer special on he and his family. I was even more touched!

He now has a new book out called "The Last Lecture." My mom just called and told me NOT to buy it! (usually that means I'm gonna get a little gift of love soon!)

Next to "Tuesdays with Morie", it is one of the MOST inspirational stories I have ever heard, and I SO look forward to reading the book.

I'm going to post it here so that all Divas (and your families) can experience the message that Randy has to teach. He is a remarkable human being and we all have SO much to learn from him. I will always strive to live my life as he does! I hope to come just a little closer to that every day!

"The Last Lecture" (74 minutes....but SO worth making the time! )
September 2007
[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo"]YouTube - Randy Pausch Lecture: Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams[/ame]

 

[Robyn]

I had seen the video and saw the special last night which I watched with tears streaming down my face as I imagined that's the way H's mother would have responded if she had time before she died. Randy and his wife are amazing people.

 

[SkiNurse]

Agreed. It is humbling to come across individuals that are so giving of themselves, even when they know their time is short.

 

[Pequenita]

I just put this on my Goodreads "to read" list last night! The NY Times Well column (which I, btw) the other day discussed the prof, the lecture, and the book.

 

[Swamp Dog]

He was on Oprah a while ago and I made a point of listening to the lecture then. Very moving. I think I'm going to get it on DVD. I know I could hear it again right now.

 

[vanhoskier]

My DH just bought me the book. I started reading it today. Wow. A must read for anybody.

 

[Marigee]

My oldest son was fortunate enough to attend Dr. Pausch's last lecture as he is a CS major at Carnegie Mellon. He is a legend at CMU, particularly among the CS students. My son said it was a wonderful lecture, but sad too. CMU published excerpts in their magazine for parents- now I need to go get the book.

 

[drjoyous]

I heard of this man and his wife through NYTimes, and also watched...and sent the link to everyone I know. I think most touching for me was the interview with Diane Sawyer with his wife, and when asked how she coped with the certainty of losing her husband she said that when she got those thoughts, she just said to herself "Not Helpful." So simple...and I have found myself saying that to myself as well.

Saddest moment? When his wife told Diane Sawyer that when (in the Last Lecture video) she goes up to kiss her husband on stage, she whispered in his ear "Please don't die. If you die all the magic will disappear."

 

[Native Vail Gal]

Saddest moment? When his wife told Diane Sawyer that when (in the Last Lecture video) she goes up to kiss her husband on stage, she whispered in his ear "Please don't die. If you die all the magic will disappear."

Ok....that made me cry! I'll also just say, I believe his magic has just begun! Mr. NVG said to me, "I want to be more like that!"

This man has touched many lives in ways he will NEVER know. His wife should be proud and honored to have him in her life....no matter how long or short. He is an inspiration. The both are.

 

[Jilly]

From CTV news:

https://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleN...8/pausch_story_080420/20080420?hub=TopStories

 

[Native Vail Gal]

Jill....thanks for the post to that article. Wonderful. Very sad to hear that he is not doing so well right now. My thoughts and prayers will be with he and his family. While the outcome, unfortunately is known, he has outlived his original prognosis and he has MORE than made the most of his time here....he has left a legacy for his children and the world!

 

[Jilly]

Thought you'd want to see that. He's making world history with his message!!

 

[Pequenita]

CNN is reporting that Randy Pausch has passed away.

 

[Robyn]

Thanks Peq for updating. Not only was I quite moved by his lecture and spirit but he was a customer of my company. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

 

[RachelV]

Oh, man. I can't even flip through his book in the bookstore without crying. Very sad.

 

[SnowHot]

I rarely sob when I see the passing of a famous person, but this one got to me.

Thank you Randy Pausch.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Ditto, ditto.
Totally.....
:Cry: