Last Lecture?

I am very sad to hear of the passing of Randy Pausch. He was a well-respected Carnegie Mellon professor who was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer, and before he left his job to spend time with his family, he gave "his last lecture."

I saw his story on Oprah earlier this year and it touched me because he knew he would pass away, leaving his wife and children behind. I watched his last lecture and thought it was a very nice leave-behind for his loved ones, especially with his children so young. He was so positive, had tons of energy, and had a true zest for life. I watched, almost in a trance-like state, as Oprah interviewed him. Since I could relate to what he and his family were going through, it seemed a bit hard to see someone be so strong. I knew what pain his family was enduring and what was to come.

This morning I arrived to work and hadn't thought of Randy Pausch in quite some time and was blindsided to see he passed away today. I had to hold back the tears at work. I was so sad. I was surprised how hard it hit me. I didn't know him, wasn't extremely moved by his lecture (not to be insulting or anything, I think my head was just in a few other places), but I felt so connected because I understood his desperation to leave something behind, to make memories for the future, and share who he was for his children.

For those who haven't seen his last lecture, I would recommend you view it. From what I have seen and read, he was a loving friend, husband, and father. We all have special people like this in our lives and we might even be that person for others. I believe this isn't Randy Pausch's last lecture. His legacy will live on through his friends, family, words, memories, and determination to leave something behind. But I do think it is crucial for me to express that it isn't always the last thing that is most important, but all the little things those who have passed have left behind. And most of those things aren't perfectly tied up in a package for others to view. While he left something very thoughtful behind for all of us, I hope his family has many more special memories just for them.