I was astonished by his complete lack of self-pity. Morrie, who could no longer dance, swim, bathe, or walk; Morrie, who could no longer answer his own door, dry himself after a shower, or even roll over in bed. How could he be so accepting? I watched him struggle with a fork, picking at a piece of tomato, missing it the first two times - a pathetic scene, and yet I could not deny that sitting in his presence was almost magically serene, the same calm breeze that soothed me back in college.
In "Tuesdays with Morrie," Mitch Albom reflects on the extraordinary acceptance of his mentor, Morrie Schwartz, despite the debilitating effects of ALS. Morrie, once vibrant and full of life, is rendered helpless, unable to perform simple tasks like bathing or walking. Yet, what astounds Mitch is Morrie's lack of self-pity. Instead of wallowing in his condition, Morrie embraces his fate with a remarkable calmness that leaves a profound impression on Mitch.
This serene acceptance in the face of adversity creates an almost magical atmosphere when Mitch visits him. Even during a seemingly pathetic moment, like struggling to eat a piece of tomato, Morrie's calm demeanor shines through. The tranquility Morrie exudes reminds Mitch of their shared experiences in college and highlights a deep lesson about living fully, regardless of circumstances. Morrie's ability to face his physical limitations with grace teaches Mitch invaluable insights on life and death.
