Tuesdays With Morrie Essay Example

Tuesdays with Morrie is a moving book about a sociology professor, Morrie and the relationship he has with a former student, Mitch. Morrie is dying from the disease ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Mitch sees Morrie one night in an interview with Ted Koppel. Remembering the special relationship they shared in college, Mitch visits Morrie and continues the relationship.
Growing up, Morrie had a brother and a mother who died when they were young. His father was a cold man who did now him much love. His father remarries and asks Morrie not to tell his younger brother about their mother. He wants him to believe that the new wife is his mom. This affects Morrie his entire life. When he becomes ill, he admits that in many ways he is reverting to an infant like stage, emotionally as well as physically. Physically the disease is destroying his body, he cannot eat solid food and soon needs assistance to go to the bathroom. Emotionally, he laughs and cries as easily as a baby.
Morrie says “Love is how you stay alive, even after you’re gone.” This line and much of the story, remind me of my father who died several years ago. He stays alive in my heart because of the love we had for each other. We shared a love for laughter and a both have a great sense of humor. Even at his funeral my brothers and I laughed about our memories with our father. This keeps alive in each of us.
Morrie also warns of running and looking for life instead of living life. It is easy to always chase after something and much harder to recognize it and enjoy it. I cherish my family and friends and make time for them. Their companionship and living experiences with them is an important part of my life. This is something I learned from my father. He was always running, looking for the next and better job or place to live. He did not stop running until he got sick. Then he slowed down and made a conscious decision to spend time with his family. He did not deny his impending death, just as Morrie did not. Instead they sought to enjoy every moment they could.