Two Gifts

 Randy Pausch,  a popular Computer Science professor at Carnegie Mellon University, wrote an even more popular book, The Last Lecture,  to leave as a legacy to his wife and three children.  He wanted to tell them about his life - the good and the ridiculous-  because he knew that his time was getting shorter, since he had been diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer. He died at the age of 47.
 

Randy Pausch

    In an interview with ABC newscaster Diane Sawyer, he tells her he she has"forgotten" to ask him a very important question.
What question is that?  the newswoman asks
  He answers, "What actor will play the role of my wife?"
  So, Diane Sawyer humors him and asks, "Okay, who will play your wife in the movie about your life?"


            "No one, he answers, is pretty enough to play my wife."


  His answer is a reminder that love outlasts many things in this life and helps us face those difficult moments.
  Another great gift to those who are facing end of life transitions is by Warren Zevon called
"Keep Me In Your Heart"

Warren Zevon

The disease Warren was dying from is called pleural mesothelioma ( cancer ) of the lung.
His first line tells you how hard it was to take a breath. But still he finds the strength to appreciate this life and the people he loved.

Shadows are fallin' and I'm runnin' out of breath
Keep me in your heart for a while
If I leave you it doesn't mean I love you any less
Keep me in your heart for a while

When you get up in the mornin' and you see that crazy sun
Keep me in your heart for a while
There's a train leavin' nightly called "When All is Said and Done"
Keep me in your heart for a while

Sha-lalala-lala-li-lalala-lo
Keep me in your heart for a while
Sha-lalala-lala-li-lalala-lo
Keep me in your heart for a while

Sometimes when you're doin' simple things around the house
Maybe you'll think of me and smile
You know I'm tied to you like the buttons on your blouse
Keep me in your heart for a while

Hold me in your thoughts
Take me to your dreams
Touch me as I fall into view
When the winter comes
Keep the fires lit
And I will be right next to you

Engine driver's headed north up to Pleasant Stream
Keep me in your heart for a while
These wheels keep turnin' but they're runnin' out of steam
Keep me in your heart for a while

Sha-lalala-lala-li-lalala-lo
Keep me in your heart for a while
Sha-lalala-lala-li-lalala-lo
Keep me in your heart for a while

Keep me in your heart for a while