Good morning, everyone, I am Lau Yi Huen of class 4D.
Today, I’m excited to share a truly touching book with you: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. This autobiography is not just a story but a lesson about how to live. It said that our life is a journey through love and death. The writer stresses the importance of human connection.
The writer, Mitch, is a man in his 30s, and the book recounts the close relationship between the author and his former professor, Morrie, who he hasn’t met for 16 years. Morrie was an excellent dancer when he was young ,and now, he is suffering from ALS, which makes him lose his bodily functions. Morrie cannot change clothes, go to toilet and even take a bath on his own. As he needs help when going to the toilet and taking a bath, he has no privacy at all. All these sound so shameful for human beings. Mitch decides to visit him every Tuesday. During Mitch’s visit to M, Morrie discusses important themes such as life, death, love, and regret, offering deep insights into facing life’s end with acceptance.
Morrie treasures relationships. After becoming ill, he receives visits from many of his former students and even a famous reporter. Despite his condition, he finds deeper connections with others. He values simple gestures like holding hands, which means love and shared experiences. Morrie also explains why he chose to study psychology instead of business; during a visit to a mental hospital as a young man, he saw that many patients suffered from neglect and lack of love. This realisation leads him to understand that meaningful relationships are what truly help a person thrive.
Morrie did not have a joyful childhood. He lost his mother at a young age, which had a huge effect on him. After his brother lost the ability to walk, Morrie felt a strong sense of responsibility to support him. With his own illness, he grew even closer to others who suffer and learned to understand from their perspectives. Although he faces his own worsening health, he chooses to focus on the love he has instead of what he has lost. He has a famous saying, "Once you learn how to die, you learn how to live." He believes many people are "sleepwalking" through life, chasing money and fame, while missing what truly matters. As Morrie becomes more aware of the essentials in life, he chooses love and connection over materialism, including money and fame.
Nowadays, the media always cherishes money and materialism, leading many to focus solely on material success. However, Morrie argues that this focus does not help build genuine relationships or foster love. He believes that no amount of money can restore his health or make him whole again. For Morrie, what truly matters is the love and care we share with others. Morrie believes that for a sick man like him, no matter how much money he has, he cannot buy health back or make his body function again. He understands that what he values most is love and care.
Morrie’s lessons about love, connection, and the importance of focusing on what truly matters remind us to cherish our relationships and lead meaningful lives. I hope you find inspiration in Morrie's words. Thank you for taking the time to explore this touching story with me!