RIP Randy Pausch

Today's sad news: 'Last Lecture' professor dies at 47.

Randy Pausch's The Last Lecture is one of the most uplifting books I've ever read. The theme of the book and his famous video lecture is achieving your childhood dreams. Most "last lectures" are by professors who are much older and ready to retire. Randy wrote his for his children when he learned he was dying of pancreatic cancer. He inspired millions around the world when his book and lecture were published outside of academia.

Needless to say, Carnegie Mellon's Last Lecture page and Randy Pausch's web site are overwhelmed by traffic today by people who want to pay their respects to this brave, modest, funny, and inspiring man who lived every day to its fullest and enjoyed life to its early end.

Rest in peace, Randy. I'm sorry you had to leave your family so soon. Thank you for inspiring us with every day of your life since your diagnosis. You will continue to inspire us through the loving legacy you left for your children, which you were kind enough to share with the rest of the world. The readers/viewers who have never met you mourn with your family, friends, and colleagues because you made such a difference in their lives. Godspeed, professor.

Perspective

A friend sent this to me in the midst of all our recent troubles. Timely, eh? My grandma's side of the family is part Cherokee, so the title is also appropriate.


Cherokee Seasons

There was an Indian Chief who had four sons. He wanted his sons to learn not to judge things too quickly. So he sent them each on a quest.., in turn.., to go and look at a pear tree that was a great distance away.

The first son went in the Winter, the second in the Spring, the third in Summer, and the youngest son in the Fall.

When they had all gone and come back, he called them together to describe what they had seen.

The first son said that the tree was ugly, bent, and twisted.

















The second son said "no" it was covered with green buds and full of promise.

















The third son disagreed; he said it was laden with blossoms that smelled so sweet and looked so beautiful. It was the most graceful thing he had ever seen.

















The last son disagreed with all of them; he said it was ripe and drooping with fruit, full of life and fulfillment.

















The man then explained to his sons that they were all right, because they had each seen but only one season in the tree's life.

He told them that you cannot judge a tree, or a person, by only one season, and that the essence of who they are and the pleasure, joy, and love that come from that life can only be measured at the end, when all the seasons are up.

If you give up when it's Winter, you will miss the promise of your Spring, the beauty of your Summer, the fulfillment of your Fall.

Stephen Hawking Quote

Today on FoxNews: a great quote from Stephen Hawking:

He urged people with physical disabilities not to give up on their ambitions.

"You can't afford to be disabled in spirit as well as physically," he said. "People won't have time for you."

What a great attitude from someone with such a debilitating disease! He also talked about his speech software. Of course, his disease wasn't the point of the article but he was very open when answering questions about it.

For the complete story read: Hawking: Pope John Paul II Argued Against Studying Origin of Universe.

'It's a Wonderful Life' Most Inspiring Film

Today on FoxNews: "George Bailey's brother proclaimed him the richest man in Bedford Falls. Now the story of the despondent businessman, who got a chance to see how ugly the world would be without him, has been proclaimed the most inspiring American movie."

No surprise there! Like millions of others, I love this film. I don't even know how many times I've seen it and I still cry every time I see the end. That's quality movie-making.

My favorite sentimental and not-so-subtle quotes:

Clarence: Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful whole, doesn't he? ... You see, George, you really had a wonderful life.

Harry: A toast to my big brother George, the richest man in town!

Dear George,
Remember, no man is a failure who has friends. Thanks for the wings!
Clarence

What about you? What are your favorite quotes, scenes, moments? Feel free to leave a comment... and don't feel like you have to wait until Christmas to enjoy this wonderful film!