Dr. Randy Pausch

Randy Pausch, the 47 year old Carnegie Mellon Computer Scientist and professor has died today in the company of his loved ones and close family. This is the top news story in every major newspaper and on the Television. Through the miracle of modern technology, the world will be curious or be saddened about his death. Dr. Pausch's death will be the topic in coffee rooms and around the water cooler for a day or two and then we will forget about him and take up the next big issue as dictated by the media. That is how our life seems to unfold these days. The world has truly become a village and we cannot escape the impact of any disaster or something to cheer about that is happening in any part of the village. Today is sadness for Dr. Pausch.

Dr. Pausch was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, in 2006, according to information from his personal web page. Ever since his diagnosis he has kept a running web journal where he informed the world of his condition. His last entry was June 26th where he reported "slow but continued recovery" (Randy Pausch Update Page. At the time of his diagnosis, he was teaching at Carnegie Mellon. Carnegie Mellon sponsors a lecture series each year called "The Last Lecture" and professors are asked to give a lecture on any topic that interests them. On September 2006, Dr. Pausch gave a lecture on "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams." (Associated Press July 25, 2008). He introduced people to his life and his family and his illness. He spared no one. He spoke frankly and calmly. I watched the video on my computer and I saved it to watch again. For a man staring at his imminent mortality he appeared a pillar of strength. He did not seek pity. He was interesting in sharing and hopefully inspiring those of us who procrastinate leaving things undone for tomorrow which may never come.

According to USA Today's article (July 25, 2008), Pausch was a larger than life teacher. He was fun and had great showmanship. He did things in a big way. It is no wonder then that he would choose to leave this world in a big way, showing no fear, no regret but accept things as is and work with it.

Few people face death as bravely as Dr. Pausch. He wrote in his blog (Randy Pausch Update Page) that he was not depressed. Pausch celebrated his life and showed gratitude for all that he had achieved including his childhood dreams. He lived his dreams and encouraged all of us to live our dreams and not to give up on them.

Does Pausch's death help us to fear death a little less? Perhaps. But how long will we remember. With so much information coming at us every day, within a week or two Pausch will be history to most of us and we will continue on our journey until another Pausch appears to remind us of what is important.

If nothing else, I think we can remember this one thing he taught to live each day fully. The only control we have of our lives are the moments; the nows and they are pregnant with possibilities for total bliss or total damnation. We create our own destiny. Pausch created his. He lived, he talked, he motivated and he probably cried too. He did not just lie and wait for death, no he did not make it that easy, death had to grab him while he lived his life.