Randy Pausch, the Carnegie Mellon computer science professor whose last lecture impacted so many died today. Read the New York Times story on his lecture here http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/25/last-lecture-professor-randy-pausch-dies-at-47/?hp
What an incredible man. I remember reading the WSJ story about his last lecture (where he announced his retirement and his incurable pancreatic cancer) in my office last fall and just being overwhelmed -- the tears wouldn't stop -- they won't stop now.
Most good parents I know (yes the subjective!) focus on their kids -- how to help them, how to encourage, how to inspire, how not to get in there way. This is tempered by the realities of getting to school on time, brushing teeth, finishing homework and keeping the peace in a normal life.
Randy Pausch -- in sharing his own story -- has, I hope, dramatically improved the lot of countless children. Let your kids draw on walls. Let your kids win crappy stuffed animals at carnivals. Don't stifle, encourage -- even when it's hard. Randy' Book At Amazon
Our two kids are so different, so passionate.
Michael -- passionate about the organ and singing and drama and horses. Liam passionate about life in general and connecting with other people. Both easily distracted by the regular beat of the day - both in search of fulfillment in what's in their hearts.
I hope we always remember to let them write on the walls even when it would be so much easier if they were just like other kids.
