Thank you so much for this show. Dr. Pausch's lecture and story were truly remarkable. For the past three months, I have been coping with the seemingly sudden loss of one of my closest companions to lung cancer. Hearing Dr. Pausch's words really renewed my spirit and has helped me remember to celebrate my friend's life for what it was and to continue to pursue my goals towards living a more fulfilling life.

I have not yet seen the show, but i wanted to share my story, as this could be the only venue where it is discussed. i am a thirthy-something years old woman facing death. I have a terminal illness, which means Death is in the near future... I was diagnosed in 2001 and have kept evrything to myself. nobbdy around me knows, even the closest friends. I tried to keep it under the radar as much as I can, for fear of being jugded by others. the irony is that I am a healthcare professional and still holds a full-time job. I kept the same energy for the last couple of years, but because I can no longer afford helth insurance, i have gone without life-saving drugs for 2 years and I think, now more than ever, I am facing death. i know no one is eternal, but I never thought I could this aware of my own mortality....

Tell your friends. Tell your family. Tell all. You would be amazed at what support can do for you! If they don't support you, think how nice it is to know that you don't have to waste any of your precious time with them anymore!
God Bless

I do not have a terminal illness but the lecture still affected me tremendously. I am in my early thirties and going through a really rough patch in life regarding my future. I am at a pretty low point and have been facing depression and a little anxiety about my challenges. The lecture that Randy Pausch gave today reminded me that all of the obstacles that I am facing are not the end of the world. He said that the brick walls are just there so see how much you really want what you think you want. Basically, it helped me to put it in perspective. You should be happy for the things you have and it's not the end of the world if things don't work the way you think they should. There is always a choice for how you react to life. I do not think it's a coincidence that I happen to be watching the show today.

Our culture DOES need to be more pragmatic and frank about death. Helllooooo? it happens! In wrting class - we've all been asked to write our own obituaries - as an execise. Why not give our own eulogy too? I've started a company that gives - healthy people - the chance to say good bye - in case they have an untimely death. It's called "++The Last Word (tm)+".+ I went through a sister dying by cancer and a sister-in-law being killed in a car accident. It was easier for friends and family to let go of my sister. it was horrifying and difficult to say good bye to my sister-in-law. For this reason - we tape / edit and give a DVD (and keep and archived copy) of the edited version to the client. This is not a living will, it is not a vendetted tape. THIS is a simple way to let the one's you knew on earth - hear and see you after your passing. A way to say goodbye (for them and you). of course people that know they are dying then want to impart something to their loved ones...but what about those of us - that are 'taken too soon?' and taken by surprise? Let's get with the program...talking about it will not make it go away or make it worse....only better!

Thank you--I'm sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers also.

I was listening to the Gentleman that was on tv this morning and telling about wanting just a little more time with his family.
I was reminded of someone that once told me that. I told him about a company called 4life research. They had a couple products one was called rezoom and the other was called minerals. He got them used them, for a year and a half longer than the dr said he was doing and feeling better and had good back to his normal life somewhat. He had even stop taking the meds that the dr had given him. He was grateful. I thought of what him when i heard the show this morning. If it helped him, i thought it may help you. Along with some prayer. I am hoping this reaches you and helps.

May God Bless

Patricia