Randy Pausch-Life Master

It's a bitter sweet thing that being away from your family makes you realize how much you love and appreciate them. I have been traveling a lot for work lately and so I brought along a book in my travels that my mom gave to me. It's called the Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. Traveling away from my loved ones along with the sentimentality of this man's story has had a powerful effect on me. I found myself wiping my eyes on the plane with my hat pulled down-hoping one of my associates wouldn't ask me a question in one of my weepy moments.

The whole world changes when you're a dad. I actually am much less embarrassed of emotions than I ever have been. I have many thing to care about and I'm not afraid to let it show. Now don't be put off- I'm not the cry at movies sort of guy. It's rare for me to even get mildly emotional at a movie. But then there's real life. REAL STORIES. That's what this guy, Randy has. It's a powerful story about a man living life. At the realization of his finite existence-at least here on earth. After being diagnosed with terminal cancer and given only months to live Randy decided to put together "The Last Lecture" and write a book about it. He goes on to tell a story to his children through his work(his achievements and failures) about how to live your life. How to achieve your childhood dreams. He tells all the stories that he would have wanted to tell his kids-or anyone. You can't help but develop a genuine love for this man as you feel his passion for life. I am thrilled that his children will one day be able to feel that love through this book and through the video taped lecture he actually gave a Carnegie Melon.

I have had many dreams a child. And many I continue to work on. But, one thing I have always wanted was to demonstrate to my kids through my vocation that you can make a living by using the gifts bestowed upon you. As an artist it has been a struggle to find a career where I can use my creative gifts and talents while still providing a comfortable life for my family. I have always wanted to have a job that not only would provide for my children, but inspire them as well. It would seem more difficult to inspire-even with your talents-if you did not show them that your talents will actually reap rewards.

This is only one of the many sentiments I took from The Last Lecture. I encourage you to read it and open yourself up. Like my sister said(who read it before me), "It's one of those books you just want to have around." I imagine Randy was the same way.