Tuesdays With Morrie Essay, Research Paper

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.