This book is an intriguing description of an old mans battle with death. More
specifically that man is suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease or amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis (ALS); a disease that affects the neurological system. There
is no cure for this disease, and the only good that can come out of having it is
the chance to say goodbye. The chance to educate people on the meaning of life
and the chance to give back what so many have given you. I think Morrie does
exactly that, in this novel and in life. In this novel there are two people that
are at the base of the story and several supporting people for both Morrie and
Mitch. Mitch is a former student of Morrie’s who has come back to bid his
professor and his good friend goodbye. While doing this, Morrie and Mitch both
agree to do a final thesis on Morrie’s death. They meet on Tuesdays and
discuss several different topics about life. Mitch films these sessions in hopes
of being able to watch them after Morrie’s passing, and to help him in writing
this thesis. As Morrie gets into the final stages of his illness he can no
longer do anything except talk, and even that is quickly passing away. Morrie
said that he knew it would be bad when he could no longer wipe his ass. But when
that time came he said he actually enjoyed it, that it was like being a baby
again. Morrie demonstrates tremendous caring in this book; trying to help people
until the very end. He even goes as far as to say that if he could have another
son he wishes that it could be Mitch. The final session ends with Morrie telling
Mitch he loves him and Mitch doing the same and they both start to cry;
something Mitch said he would never do. Morrie spends his final days with his
nuclear family and dies alone in his bed, almost like he had planned it that
way. This is probably one of the best books I’ve ever read. The lessons you
learn just by reading the book are tremendous. Morrie is a great professor, even
after his death, as this book proves to be true. I know I’ll never forget this
book and the numerous lessons it has taught me. Life is a precious thing, live
for the now.