A very good friend of mine, Gordon Smith sent me an email a few days ago. Later that day, when I spoke to him he told me about when the doctor told him that 
he had good news and bad news. The doctor told Gordon that he had incurable cancer. Gordon responded, “What is the bad news?”. Here is a copy of that email:
Hello,
I just wanted to let you know that I was diagnosed with Leukemia, and had it confirmed last week. The kind of news you just LOVE to get.
It’s not going to kill me next week or anything that dramatic, but obviously is of concern. (I literally just got off the phone with a local publisher who was asking me about writing a column. I suggested “The lighter side of Leukemia.” He laughed, but did not make a commitment to it.)
I want to thank ALL my family and friends because I’ve been so fortunate in knowing and loving you. May I confess?….. I am EXTREMELY fond of you.
I am fortunate that I have so many people that I love and that love me. I’m really not terribly upset by this diagnosis or what it potentially portends, because I HAVE had such great people in my life. Maybe I’m whistling past the graveyard, as they say, but so far I’m doing fine.
I don’t expect condolences, etc. It’s always hard to find words for that sort of thing anyway, and you have always made me feel pretty appreciated. I know how much you care! ‘Nuff said on that count. (However, I do NOT mean to discourage anyone inclined to send a handsome cash stipend.)
At any rate, thanks for all you have been in my life. (The terms love and laughter come to mind. God, it sounds like a farewell, and it’s not.) Just wanted to let you know what is going on with me.
I plan on being around for awhile…a very long while.
Gordon
___
It reminded me of a truly remarkable video I have seen several versions of: Dr. Randy Pausch’s last lecture. It is one of the most remarkable videos I have seen. I liked it so much I want to share it with you.
James Hsu says:
Thanks Russell for reminding me how delicate life is. I saw Dr. Pausch’s last lecture online and it was very moving. I hadn’t seen the Oprah version before. Always helps to have our priorities reset every once in a while. I’m gonna go kiss my kids now.
March 15, 2008 — 1:18 am
Ann Cummings says:
Hi Russell – another reminder to make the most of what we’ve got while we’ve got it, and it sounds like your friend has done just that. I, too, saw Dr. Pausch’s video, and I saw him on a couple of news shows – amazing to see, and he definitely causes you to rethink what you’re doing and what you’re priorities really are.
March 15, 2008 — 3:24 am
Susan Zanzonico says:
Hi Russell – Thank you for sharing. Dr. Pausch’s video is very powerful and displays a great attitude and a truly generous person with a great perspective. Its definitely a reminder for us to take a breath and the time to appreciate what we have in life. Your friend Gordon sounds like an amazing guy as well.
March 15, 2008 — 8:38 am
Doug Quance says:
Russell:
Susan said it all.
March 15, 2008 — 12:28 pm
Wade Young says:
Both of these guys are truly brave – real men. It’s a good reminder to me to not complain about the ups and downs of my own life. This definitely puts the real estate business being down in perspective.
March 15, 2008 — 7:59 pm
Ines says:
Russell – I want to tell you that although I don’t know you, I just heard the news of the other Russel Shaw’s death and almost had a coronary thinking it was you. (my condolences to that family).
Just wanted to drop by and tell you that you touch people’s lives with your writing and I thank you for wearing your heart on your sleeve – that video is one of my all time favorites!
March 17, 2008 — 1:33 pm
Robin says:
Makes you really want to stop and smell the roses. Dr. Pausch’s video is very compelling.
May 19, 2008 — 8:30 pm
Sue says:
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2008/07/college_professor_who_delivere.html
Randy’s struggle is over, very sad.
July 25, 2008 — 9:23 am