How have you been influenced by reading the book or watching the lecture? What message would you like to share with others who’ve been touched by Randy and his story?
July 2nd, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Dear Randy,
The reason for my message, I wished was an email to you, is regarding the Disney's $100,000 salt and pepper shaker. I have been reading your book so when my husband and I took the kids to Disney World a week ago, so went your book. Now, I hadn't gotten to the chapter 50 at this time. I was particularally taken by the story of the $100,000 salt and pepper shaker because while we were at Disney we bought our son a monorail system. Of course it was taken out of the box immediately. So, it shouldn't have surprised us that shortly after it was put together, while we were still at the Polyensian, our son dropped it. Subsequentially, when it dropped the flexible divider was lost. So, my husband being the maker/keeper of magical moments went to Sonia, working in the "Bouq Tiki" explained what had happened and asked that if while sweeping this evening if anyone came across it would they set it aside and call him on his cell phone. Sonia picked up the phone called to the other gift shop and requested that another monorail system be brought down. Meanwhile my husband jaw dropped. So when you wrote about that salt and pepper shaker I was taken aback thinking that they do STILL make dreams come true! Only this time it was a $70 idem. Something that you might find humorous. Even after all that, we opened the second one and our son dropped it again! Sonia was there saying goodbye to us, because we were still outside of the store looking at the waterfall (our children are 6 and 3 respectfully), and without skipping a beat Sonia said, "I'll go get a door off the other one (because it was the doors this time) and brought us the replacement door and another one just in case. She made our day! And reading your book, Randy, it brightens my day each time I get to read it! I am nearing the end, I am at Final Remarks and there is a part of me that just might go from the last chapter back to the first. I love your "tigger" way of looking at life. I find that I am a tigger even when I should be a eeyore. It confuses people sometimes but I just can't help it. Also, sometimes you need someone to tell you what you should already know (you re-focus)so I am also a better person now having read your last lecture and I wish you and your family much much peace.
Kathy Medich
July 2nd, 2008 at 9:58 am
I'm a mom and a teacher, and I just want to thank you for this gift you have given us. I started reading your book early this morning and could not put it down. To be able to take a situation most of us would consider disastrous and turn it into the means of making the most of what you have and inspiring others to do the same demonstrates what an amazing spirit you possess. May you receive a miracle that gives you more health and more time to enjoy your family.
jennifer waters
July 2nd, 2008 at 7:59 am
I just want to say that this book was one of the most beautiful things I have ever read. I teach students in the allied health professions: medical assistants, respiratory therapists, medical insurance management, pharmacy technicians. I am also a nurse. I plan on incorporating some of your ideas into my classes and suggest that my students purchase your book. Many of my students come from difficult backgrounds and by having someone other than me tell them they can do it, I hope to influence them to do great things in their life!
Kelly Bedner
July 2nd, 2008 at 7:53 am
Thank you for the book and it was useful for me at this time. I am having cancer surgery @ 1:45 PM today.
You'll be pleased to know that the book is going to my 20 year old nephew next. He's a computer person and yesterday I asked him to read chapters 26 & 27 about virtual reality. He needs some guidance and your book is going to provide.
At this point is it realistic optimist or optimistic realist? Your logical mind will provide the answer.
Thank again and Gratitude is Key!
Dave Bergson
dave bergson
July 2nd, 2008 at 2:05 am
Thank you so much for the insights you provided for me as I sat on the sofa, pondering your words and reviewing my own childhood dreams. I am grateful for your willingness to be so open and honest about your own feelings and about what you wish to have come from your life's work. From reading your book, I have learned a little more about myself, and I hope to be more of a Tigger myself as a result. My the good Lord bless you and your family, that you may continue in peace as you travel down this difficult road. Thank you, and much love.
D.C. Green
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:31 am
Dear Randy,
I watched your lecture and read your book and I just want to let you know that I pray for you and your family all the time. My sister passed away at 37 and my first cousin at 44 and since they have passed I have truly lived the way that you speak of. Life is so precious, every moment of every day and I am always happy no matter what happens and I value every day and always try to do for others. I started a program at our local hospital to help brighten the dreary days of the children with cancer and I can't begin to tell you how many people help me to help them. There really are so many wonderful people in this world! Now, if I could just find a cure to help you and everyone else battling this awful disease, that would complete my life. I wish so much that a miracle would happen for you, I have grown so fond of you just by your lecture and book and one of the things you wrote in your book besides everything about you and your family is the thank you notes. I always write thank you notes because I feel it is special and meaningful and so few people write anything anymore. Well it is quite late but I just had to write to you because you were so on my mind. I will check your blogs to see how you are doing and I will pray for you always. I passed your book to my younger sister and believe it or not my mom ordered it from her book club and really wants to read it, she is next after my sister. Take care of yourself and just know so many people have been so touched by you, your family and your words.
Maria Lombardi
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:07 am
I am khalid alsahlawi, a professor of finance, at king faisal university in Saudi Arabia. Four days ago, I put my comments and my massage to Randy Pausch, however it dident appare amonge the comments written by others. I wander why, and did my comments reach professor Randy. Please let me know.
KHALID
July 1st, 2008 at 11:16 pm
Randy, You are doing a wonderful thing for your children with your book and being open and sharing with others. I believe in the power of prayer, laughter, and medicine. I realize you are faced with a big battle and I hope that you win this battle. It is obvious to me that you have touched the lives of many young people and I admire your courage and outlook. I have read your book and watched your lecture. I plan to watch the time management video next. At first I was not going to purchase your book because I felt it would be too depressing but it had the opposite affect on me. It has given me a new outlook on life. Thank you. Be watching for a hand written note from me in the next month.
Keep up the fight, keep the faith, listen to your doctors, but most importantly, listen to your wife and your body.
Take care and find some funny movies to watch. Laughter is a great medicine to add to the medicine the doctor's give you.
Michael
Michael Bancale
July 1st, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Dear Dr. Pausch; this was by far the smartest book i've read. The compromise to share your story and open your heart and wisdom to many of us, even in Venezuela, reminds me how important it is to keep being optimistic no matter what problem you encounter. I admire your courage, but most of all, I admire your wife's strength to acompany you in this hard road God chose. I read your pages, many of them once again and again because they have that hidden sense of happiness not too many people are able to achieve; that for me Randy is the greatest life advice I have received. I may sound corny and repetitive, but Sir, you have touched my soul, my heart and my brain cells!
There are many bumps in everyone's road, but the truly wise at surpassing them are those who are clever enough to learn and get some learning out them.
Thank you sir for your enthusiastic words, they will remain forever in me and of course they will be passed on to my 3 young daugthers (ages 8, 5 and almost 3), so they can also have the chance to learn from you.
Thank you.
Miguel Marquez - Caracas, Venezuela
July 1st, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Thank you for your inspiring, good -humored and moving book. As a mother of four beautiful young boys and a wonderful husband, my heart aches for you and your family. I am inspired by your positivity, dignity, honesty and self awareness. Your reflections are a reminder that, indeed, one must live their life with a glass "half full." There really is no upside to going through life as an Eyore. Though I fully expect to see you, as you put it, on your doctor's brochure in 10 years, I just want to say this about death: Ana Quindlen once wrote that when someone passes on from this world, as long as we remember them and keep them alive in our hearts and memories, they never really, truly die. My father, who died almost 12 years ago, is very much alive in my memories, in the words and melodies of songs we sang, in recollections of TV shows we watched together(like Star Trek) and in the eyes of my sons. You've created a legacy (through your students, your family and friends, your lecture, your book, and surely through the pieces of you that you've left for your loving family) that will ensure that in many ways you will always be here. Just as Krishnamurti maintained that a piece of your loved ones will die and be with you forever...so will you be here with them. You've given so many who know you - and who don't - a great gift. God bless you and your family. Here's to believing in miracles.
L.B.
July 1st, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Dear Pausch,
My family gave my father your book for father's day and I was the one who ended up reading it. Some of the quotes in your book are truly inspirational, especially the ones about why there are "brick walls". I am seventeen and extremely greatful that I read your book this summer- it has really inspired me to make the most of everyday I have. To Jai- I know you will make it through this situation and when reading this book I connected with your feelings. I pray for Randy and your family that all is okay and that by some chance Mr. Pausch becomes healthy. From reading this book I have decided to start making a list of the things I am greatful for. Everyday when I wake up I play on adding something to the list. I have grown up without grandparents and cousins and aunts around me because they live in other countries and when my grandfather passed away last summer I wish he would have told me more stories, written me letters or taken video tapes. I wish i had gotten to know him better throughout the years and now I have to live without knowing him. I know your children will be so greatful one day for all you have done to make sure they do not forget you and for your dedication to the last lecture. I truly respect you and your uplifting and positive attitude. May God bless you and your family forever.
Michelle R
July 1st, 2008 at 6:28 pm
My daughter, a 25 yrs. C. survivor gave me your book. Too many of my friends & relatives have suffered your illness but you epitomize their courage as you, too, go about living & earning your eternal crown. As a 77 yr. old retired teacher, I can only hope that I did my instructing half as well as you. God Speed as you Walk to the Light, Randy!
Mary Alice
July 1st, 2008 at 3:50 pm
I just finished your incredible book. You have summarized all that we should be as humans with great dignity. I wish you well, and am grateful for you reaching out to so many to touch them in ways you can read about and in more ways that you cannot. My wife and I found a watercolor painting in Maui several years ago that seems to sum up your essence. The title to the painting is "I am not this fragile body". Now, whenever I see it, it will remind me of your compassion, your commitment to your family and friends, and your spirit. Thank you for everything.
Jim
July 1st, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Dear Randy & Jai,
I started and finished your book today. My favorite part was your response to the question of what you want written on your tombstone, "Randy Paush: He Lived Thirty Years After a Terminal Diagnosis."
My childhood dream was to be medical doctor, but God had another plan. I have seen many miracles that God has performed in obedience to praying for others. My mentor and first teacher, Delores Winder was miraculously healed after 19 1/2 years of a degenerative bone disease that left her in a partial body cast. God healed her completely and she is still giving testimony about her healing. I have since witnessed a healing of my niece who had a incurable blood disease, a young boy with brain cancer and a friend who doctors said had a month to live (that was 10 years ago), to name a few. I am praying for you and would ask you to consider that I would pray with you to know if God does want a miraculous healing in your life. The Bible says, "Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up." James 5: 14-15
My prayer is that I might pray for you to know God's will in hopes that it is a miracle.
By His Grace,
Edie
Edie Lowe
July 1st, 2008 at 3:04 pm
There’s so much that I’ve learned from reading your book and watching the lecture. Its really inspiring especially since I’m only 16.
I feel like a little kid whose discovering their dream. Trying out something new like a sport, or horseback riding (my life), who doesn't have very much experience or knowledge about it yet. But you can tell that already its starting to become a passion for the kid. When all of a sudden some idol whose one of the best (You know the guy who knows all the tricks of the trade, who you’d pay to meet) comes up to you an is like "Hey do you want to learn? I’ll teach you everything I know".
I love all of the advice you’ve given, especially in leadership where as a cadet at a military academy I’m learning and trying to gain as much knowledge as possible. You really are a great inspiration
I know you are proud of your dad for all of his accomplishments including achieving the bronze star, for his efforts in Thailand, and raising you. I can tell you that if your kids ever got the chance to talk to you when they are older. I know they’d tell you that they’re just as proud of you for writing this book, helping people to achieve their dreams and being an inspiration, and most of all for battling your cancer to stay alive for them. I know your kids are going to grow up to be awesome individuals.
An don’t worry they’ll achieve their dreams.
I know I’ll be carrying this book around with me all my life. I have a feeling I’m going to need it, an I know its going to come in handy. Randy you’ve helped so many people, thank you so much.
Genevieve Read
July 1st, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Randy,
It's truly remarkable to see you continue to get the stregnth to do wonderful things. You are certainly leaving behind an amazing legacy of how to hold your head high. I have told my friends and family to read your book. It is so inspirational, and so real.
I wish you many happy, painfree, energetic days ahead with your kids, wife and family.
God Bless YOU! --Monika
Monika
July 1st, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Thank you, Randy Pausch, for sharing your life with us. You kept hinting at the selfish motives behind your "Last Lecture," but it could not have been a more selfless gesture on your part to share hard earned wisdom and experience to those who have yet to make the hard journey. I am one of those, and though a complete stranger, your book has affected me tremendously. One of the rare occasions when words truly make a difference. Thank you for making a difference in my life. May God bless you and your sweet family.
Jodie Reed
July 1st, 2008 at 2:00 pm
I am 74 and parented 6 children and now have 15 grand children. [We adopted one daughter.] My youngest son gave me your incredible book for father's day. At the time it was "thank you son for another book to read."
Having just finished it, the greatest head fake that Randy did for all of us is: "This is how we should live our lives every day."
Thanks you Randy from an old geezer [for an excellent example] who is incredibly proud of his kids and gkids, but doesn't tell them often enough just what great people they have grown into [and are still growing.].
Robert Wittig
July 1st, 2008 at 12:06 pm
I just finished the book and couldn't put in down. It was interesting to read and made me want to call my family and tell them how much I love them. I have already recommended the book to my friends.
I was wondering how Randy is doing? I also wanted him to know that my prayers our with him and his family. I truly appreciate him taking the time to share his story.
Take Care.
Cindy Johnson
July 1st, 2008 at 9:58 am
Dear Randy & Jai,
I simply want to send you my heart-filled thanks and blessings for all you have shared and are sharing with the world, and I offer this quote...
"Neither fire nor wind, birth nor death can erase our good deeds." - Buddha
You have done so much is the sharing of your journey and I am grateful. I especially appreciate the amazing and heroing story about your wedding balloon ride. What a lesson in expectations and trust, and the way in which we are offered so many opportunities to let go and let the wind carry us, even in the most unexpectedly beautiful (and scary) ways.
Blessings to you both and to the children.
Karuna
July 1st, 2008 at 9:29 am
i loved your book the brick wall scenario was brilliant that actually inspired me to do the impossible or what i think is the impossible in two months i leave for the military so thank you
lisa h
July 1st, 2008 at 9:03 am
Randy,
I think about you every day - I pray for your turmor free perfect health. In my mind, I picture you and surround you in light.
The way you decide to live your life is inspiring - to say the least.
I love school/education and know I would've enjoyed having you as a professor. I appreciate that you taught, not only the subject, but life lessons.
I've read/learned from your book and use it to better my life.
I know you receive many many emails and might not have time to read them all, but I at least wanted to put this energy out into the universe for you to at least feel.
I feel like I know you - thank you, kindly, for sharing.
God Bless you and your family,
Dawn Scott
Michigan
Dawn Scott
July 1st, 2008 at 7:44 am
I read The Last Lecture while on vacation and was uplifted by the things Randy had to say.
God's speed.
Carole
July 1st, 2008 at 12:25 am
As a high school English teacher for the last 16 years, I can say I have read many books. Few will have the impact that this one will on my future as a teacher. I hope I can aspire to touch at least one student the way Randy Pausch has touched so many. I will never again be afraid to challenge my students to reach higher and work to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way.
Susan Wheeler
