Since his last lecture, Pausch has heard from many people he has known over the years, and he is grateful for their words of kindness. A former colleague appreciates the advice Pausch once gave him about paying more attention to the “suggestions” of department heads, and a former student credits him with inspiring him to begin a personal-development website. And, to keep things in balance, he hears from a girl on whom he had an unrequited crush; she tells him (gently, of course) that he been too much of a nerd for her to date in high school and that she ended up marrying a real doctor.

More than anything, though, the messages are from strangers wishing him well, many of whom offer ideas on how to cope with death and dying. Most of their advice is for Jai, assuring her that it is possible to “survive the unimaginable” and reminding her that her children will be her best motivation to wake up each day and will offer her the best comfort. One woman tells Jai to accept any help she is offered both now and after her husband is gone; she also encourages her to tell the kids, after their father is gone, that they will have a normal life despite their father’s untimely death.

One man tells Pausch about an Indian spiritual advisor named Krishnamurti who was asked the best thing to say to a dying man. Krishnamurti said that when his friend dies a part of him will die with him, and that means he will never be alone. After an interview, Diane Sawyer tells Pausch to be sure to tell his children about the specific idiosyncrasies which he finds so endearing about each of them, and he has followed her advice. For most of his life, Pausch doubted the efficacy of counseling; however, he now benefits from the opportunity to talk with an objective third party.

Finally, a lot of people have written to Randy about spiritual matters and faith. While he deliberately avoided anything religious in his lecture to make it more universal, Pausch does have his own faith. His minister, M. R. Kelsey, has been very helpful in helping him leave a legacy of love, “emotional insurance” for when he eventually leaves. He recommends Pausch make lots of videotapes of himself with his children, so they will one day see how much they laughed and played together and how comfortable they were with one another. The minister also gives Pausch some specific ways he can make sure Jai has a record of his love for her.

If Pausch is able to do these things now, before he is too sick, the months ahead will not weigh as heavily upon him, and he will experience more peace. Every day Pausch receives encouraging words from all kinds of people who wish him well, allowing him to see the best of humanity. He is grateful and has never felt alone on this journey.