The Last Lecture

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A few months ago, my husband and I were watching a news special featuring a Computer Science Instructor at the University of Virginia who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Let’s just say that by the end of the story, I was sobbing. My husband and I decided to purchase the book to read more about this remarkable man. There are many uplifting stories about people who have overcome tragedy and despair. What makes this one especially interesting is how full of life this man really was staring at the darkness of death.

(Another inspirational source of information you should look at is Tony Robbin’s The Power of Crisis)

If you hadn’t heard the hoopla over this New York Times bestseller and the lecture that inspired it, here’s a little background info:

Randy Pausch October 23, 1960 – July 25, 2008)

He was an assistant and associate professor in the Computer Science Department at the University of Virginia. He was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in 2006. After an unsuccessful treatment failed to halt the disease’s progress, he was only given 3-6 months to live.

The Lecture that Inspired the Book

“Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams” was the name of this lecture that inspired so many. This talk followed the series of lectures given by academics about what lessons they wanted to leave behind or what wisdom they would share with others, if it were their last chance. Instead of focusing on his own impending death, he chose instead to encourage others to celebrate life and live out their dreams, overcome obstacles and to help others achieve their dreams.

It was through the power of the internet that enabled so many to see his positive message on life. He was captivating on film and the book was a good follow-up to the lecture. In it, he shares more of his stories and life lessons about rejection, failure, and crisis as well as hope. Though not much would be considered “new” to anyone reading it, it definitely makes you think about your own life and how you can improve your outlook to make life more fulfilling.

Considering that we as caregivers are facing an ongoing crisis, this is a good read.

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