Although the idea of a "last lecture" is a common term in the college world, Pausch's lecture in particular corresponded to his own life reflections upon receiving diagnosis of a terminal cancer. A former professor at Carnegie Mellon, Pausch spent his last months delivering his "last lecture" to his students to emphasize the passage of time and regrets that may arise with taking even trivial moments for granted. Pausch offers a mindful and heartfelt interpretation of his diagnosis and final moments with family, friends, and students, in an effort to offer closure both as a professor but also as a husband and father. Each musing included in his lecture allows for readers to allow for their individual self-reflection in order to truly appreciate and learn from life's most unexpected and life-changing challenges.