Randy's Way

By William A. Jewett ’41 / January / February 2008
January 29th, 2008

I have read the article by Charlotte Bruce Harvey ’78 about Randy Pausch ’82 over and over again (“It’s Not Time Yet,” November/December).

I have several reactions to the story, with admiration and sympathy high on my list. Randy is, indeed, one in a million—one to be admired, one to challenge others, one who will be remembered, and one who will be missed. I wish the world had more like him. To others who have read this article: I hope you understand that this can happen to you.

It has happened to me. In the last week of November 2003, I was diagnosed with “diffuse large-cell lymphoma.” I have been treated twice with chemotherapy, once with radiation, and twice with a palliative therapy. I was told my life expectancy could be counted in months, and I was admitted to hospice.

After a month I was discharged. Today I live under the care of my daughter on a ranch east of Denver. My now-annual nuclear body scan shows no cancer. I write; I have had three articles published. I study; I am particularly engrossed with the English language, how it is used, how it is abused and still understood, and how it is changing as the world changes.

Life is worth living, and I hope that Randy Pausch will go into remission so that he can serve others as he has done throughout his lifetime to date.

William A. Jewett ’41

Bennett, Colo.

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January / February 2008