Tuesday, July 29, 2008

The News Today

The news today....... I woke this morning to a report on the news about a significant increase in the incidence of melanoma among young women, women who go to tanning salons and lie too long in the summer sun.

The news today.....at work I got the phone call from my friend, Jim, that his great friend, Barry, had just died this morning from melanoma. Barry had a recurrence of symptoms this May, we all thought that he had more time, and this news was shocking, abrupt, and very sad. Barry wrote a blog during these last weeks of his illness. It was filled with memories of his childhood and his family, his coworkers and his friends, and reading it made you smile. Not once did Barry voice complaints or regrets, just delight in everything he had experienced so far. Take some time, read it, and reflect on your own blessings at http://barryw.blogspot.com/.

The news today......after work I was sitting in a waiting room and the television showed reports of an earthquake, 5.4 magnitude, near Los Angeles. "Shook up" seemed to describe the emotions of the day.

The news today.....going to sleep and Primetime had a special on Randy Pausch, the Carnegie Mellon professor, husband and father who recently died from pancreatic cancer and became known for "The Last Lecture". (You can view the lecture at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo). Randy's lecture was about love and joy and living life fully every day.

The news today.....in summary, the best tribute to these two men, the best way to honor their memory, is to follow their examples and enjoy every moment of our lives.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sue and Jim,
I'm very sorry for your loss. I hope that the happy and funny and quirky times take over the sad time in your memories.
A

Anonymous said...

i'll drink to that! when i can again! glenn