Friday, July 25, 2008

Reece Fleming and Randy Pausch

This morning Yvan and I were listening to the radio as we always do when we get ready for work in the morning. We heard two heartbreaking stories this morning as we started our day.

REECE FLEMING

The first story was about Reece Fleming a young boy who had been diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 4. His one wish in life was to marry his sweetheart Elleanor Pursglove. He had asked her to marry him a few times and she finally said yes.

Reece lived the next 4 years of his life battling the disease and in May the doctors told his parents there was nothing more they could do for him and that he had weeks to live.

So, his parents along with Elleanor's parents planned a wedding ceremony for them. Reece got his wish and the two were married in a (pretend) ceremony where they exchanged rings and vows and even had a little marriage certificate.

Reece told his mom that he could go now and the next day, July 5, 2008, at 8 years old, he passed away with his parents by his side.

RANDY PAUSCH

The second story was about Randy Pausch. I am sure many of you have heard of Randy Pausch and his "Last Lecture" video that has been viewed by millions around the world. You might even have seen him give his lecture on "The Oprah Show" this past year.

Randy passed away today at the age of 47 from Pancreatic cancer.

If you haven't seen "The Last Lecture" then you should..I have posted it below...this is the condensed version from the Oprah Show - you can see the full hour and 15 min version on-line...but you will get the jist of his message.



While I didn't know Reece or Randy their stories inspire me. These two amazing individuals remind me what life is about....the people you love!

Peace be with you

5 comments:

Julie said...

Very sad day. The Prof. was such a huge inspiration.Peace back at you.

The Warren Family said...

What a great talk, it has me in tears. Do you mind if I post it on my blog (I will link to yours),

I have a few different part time jobs as a physio and one is on a palliative care floor. I find mentally it can be hard on you, and I know it is because I have to work through my own feeling on death and life. It is funny, death is one of those things we just don't talk about and try to ignore, but I think that it part of the reason it becomes such a hard thing to deal with. Thanks so much for sharing the video!!

The Warren Family said...

sorry, I meant to say "that is part"...I was typing fast

Ranavan said...

Shannon...by all means post it on your blog...it is an inspirational story to be sure albeit a sad one and should be shared.

It is a funny world we live in where we don't talk about death and it is inevitable for everyone. I can only imagine working in palliative care would be difficult..when my Grandma was just in the hospital the corridor over was palliative and the doors were closed and you could tell and feel it was the saddest place to be in the hospital.

I too struggle with my feelings on death...I think it something everyone does at some point..how could you not.

Take care

hazel said...

Thanks for sharing these stories. I hadn't heard about little Reece before - how extraordinary.

I had seen Randy on TV a few weeks ago - I think it was a 20/20 special and they mentioned he was sick again. I'm sorry to hear he has now passed. He's made a difference to many people's lives. Also extraordinary.