This one’s for Rex: “Live for others”

Rex teaching

In addition to the birth of our first child and the discovery of a promising career path, 2008 has seen a couple of life-altering realizations that I’d like to share with everyone here. The first came in the form of a simple, yet powerful, motto conceived by my good buddy Rex:

“Live for others”

Rex came upon this inspirational gem just days after being diagnosed with advanced lung cancer; just days before starting a long, aggressive series of chemotherapy sessions. Rex remained his ordinary cheerful self during those first few days, but it was clear that most of his energy was spent consoling the worried legions of friends and family who flocked to his side. So typical of Rex.

If ever life had dealt him an excuse to be selfish, put himself first and take some time to regroup, it was at that moment: in the face of an unforgiving disease, not to mention mounting concerns about the fate of his career and the security of his family. An abrupt halt to his educational endeavors and a whole lot of introverted soul-searching would have been completely understandable. But not Rex. He immediately looked to include us all in his self-reflection: to share the weight of each development, and to bring his entire community of supporters along with him on his journey of self-discovery. He told me (and others) about what was meaningful in his life, where his work was headed, what wisdom he wished to pass on to others. In short: What it is that makes life worth living. After peeling back all the layers, what Rex found was a core belief that had guided him through a great many past successes, and a creed he would invoke to give him the courage necessary to persevere in the face of his current battle:

“Live for others”

Rex found himself suddenly aware of the immense power of his approach to life, the only approach to life he had ever known, and the one that explained his future ambitions. It became increasingly clear to those of us following Rex’s lead that the keys to sustainable happiness were (and are): nurturing one’s support network, placing one’s faith in the goodness of gentle and familiar souls, developing a passion for the learning process, maintaining a hunger for sharing, and preserving a focus on family. At a time when there was ample opportunity for Rex to succumb to introspection and pessimism, he wanted nothing more than to expand his circle of friends, colleagues, students and loved ones, and to teach others just how much optimism and joy can be gained when you commit to ‘Living for others.’

Rex’s message has already affected a great many of us, and I know that this is just the beginning. I am truly humbled and honored to share the company of such an excellent human being as Rex, and the community he has opened up to me has been unconditionally warm and helpful.

Apart from anything else, however, Watching Rex take control of his own mental and physical well-being has been just mind-blowing. He is the healthiest, most positive, most driven, and most determined man I know, and I am proud to call him my ‘bruddah.’

Oh, and here’s some mojo to keep you going, Rex…
(Click on the green band pic, and prepare to feel the love:-)

Background:

This project was conceived and financed by Rex’s long-time friend, Muriel. Curtis and I set the parameters, and I rallied the troops. Hiromi and Tomoko handled all of the shipping, and another of Rex’s ‘might-as-well-be-family’ supporters, Ann, helped with editing and burning the slideshow. In all honesty, this project was a breeze, and tons of fun to coordinate. The Friends of Rex community was ready to rally, ready to spring to action. Indeed, a tribute to the respect and admiration Rex commands. Messages from many of Rex’s supporters here at this posterous account.

UPDATE:

Rex’s tumors have been reduced to 50% their original size, and his white blood cell count is almost back to normal.

Rex donning his LFO bracelet