CHECK OUT: The Last Lecture

Dear Friends,

I hope this post finds you well and happy.

I recently readig a book called The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. I have a lot of praise and admiration for this book. It brought me back to a time when someone I knew was sick with cancer and only had months to live. When I think about that person, I think of the legacy they left behind for their family.

Similarly, Pausch was so proud of his children and in a matter-of-fact way, he wanted to leave a legacy for them of not only writing a book full of wisdom and humour in the face of death, but also having a “last lecture” as he was a professor and that is what he did best! He also took a lot of videos, pictures, and wrote letters to leave behind as well.

Let me give you some examples from the book that might give you the same sense of awe about it that I have. As soon as I opened the book, one of the first lines that structure me was:

“We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the game.”

This is very fitting from a person with a terminal illness who, after attempting treatment, was told that he only had about six months to live. How was he going to spend his time? He talked about trying to prioritize his last moments on earth between his last lecture and spending quality time with his wife and children, all while feeling some guilt and anguish and while crying many tears of joy!

What I loved about the book is Pausch’s matter-of-fact approach to what made him happy, Not only when he was dying, but before he knew that he was dying! He shares about some practical and simple ideas for working together with others, such as checking your ego at the door, praising each other, and letting everyone talk.

One of my favourite parts of the book is the message:

“Watch what they do, not what they say.''

I think of all the people like Pausch who wanted to leave their loved ones with memories through pictures, words, letters, etc. and what they must mean to those who received them.

In his writings, Pausch shows what it means to understand optimism. After Pausch explains to this doctor that although terminally ill, he bought a convertible and got a vasectomy, the doctor tells him that he has a “healthy balance between optimism and realism.” By getting a vasectomy, Pausch showed a belief that he would live long enough to reap the benefits. Genius!

I can relate to his work ethic as I am sure so can anyone else who grew up in the 70s. I couldn't help but appreciate the advice that “No job is beneath you”. For me, after 27 years as a psychiatric nurse, and then now working as a janitor, Pausch’s advice holds so much truth. I have learned just how important janitors are to the WHOLE place (now that I am one)! Talk about leaving your ego at the door!

This book gave me a new purpose to be kind(er) to everyone, to work hard, and to live in the moment. I sure appreciate the honest feedback from an author who truly can say that he is playing his game of cards with honesty, while having fun and being in the moment regardless of his hand.

Take care and enjoy the book!

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Tammie Myers is an HHA Death Doula Candidate in Manitoba, Canada.