Randy Pausch, Author of "The Last Lecture", Dies

July 25, 2008

Randy Pausch, professor at Carnegie Mellon University and author of “The Last Lecture”, has died at the age of forty-seven from pancreatic cancer as reported on CNN.  Dr. Pausch was diagnosed with this incurable type of cancer in September 2006 and delivered an incredibly moving last lecture to his students in September 2007.  His videotaped lecture became an internet sensation and was viewed by millions of people around the world.  He leaves behind a wife and three children, Dylan, 6; Logan, 4; and Chloe, 2. 

I try to blog only about wedding-related news on this site but I wanted to include Dr. Pausch in here today because I was moved by the love he had for his family.  I had the pleasure of seeing his last lecture, “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams”, first on YouTube and then on Oprah several months ago.  I, of course, cried my eyes out when he said that he created this lecture not for millions of people around the world, but just for three people...his children.  Hopefully, they will receive the wisdom he had about life and achieving your dreams in the video as well as the book, “The Last Lecture”, that he wrote with Jeffrey Zaslow.  With the video he was able to pass along a lifetime advice and give his children the opportunity to see their dad in his element. 

It’s so incredibly sad to know that such a loving man wasn’t able to transcend this terrible disease.  Earlier this year Dr. Pausch recovered from heart and kidney failure and for awhile it looked he might be able to beat the odds.  You could tell that he had so much more to offer his family and so much more living to do.  The kindness he shares in the last lecture to his students and the love he had for his family was evident.

I always tell couples to make sure that you marry the right one, whatever that means for you.  You don’t have to take whatever comes down the pike simply because you think that nothing else better will come along.  The Pausch family had no idea that their patriarch would get this disease and leave them early, but they happened to live life to the fullest anyway. 

So, as you’re working on your wedding plans today, maybe take some time to think about the relationship you have with your future spouse.  Is he or she the right one?  Can you imagine a life full of love and happiness with this person or do have any doubts?  Does this person love you unconditionally and accept you the way you are?  Or, do they criticize you and tear you down with “helpful suggestions” and backhanded insults? 

There is no substitute for marrying someone who supports you and loves you with no reservations.

Have a great one!

Alison
WeddingChicago.com

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