Story of Life

TUESDAY WITH MORRIE

“Are you happy with all you have had??”

One of my friends posted it in his facebook wall. If It was me before I read the book “Tuesday with Morrie” perhaps I would say “No, not yet. There are many things I haven’t had." But this book is the best memoar to read so far. This book told about Morrie Schwards who were struggling to fight fatal disease in his body, ALS (amyotrophic lateral schelrosis). It is famously known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. This disease affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Gradually, his body became paralyzed. He knew that he did not have long time. He could have spent his life to regret all the things happen to him and moan his disease, but he did not. He expressed thanks to God that he knew he could still give love to people surround him. He could be still happy and so wise.

“Once you learn how to die, you learn how to live” (Morrie)

When we are dying we will know soon that everything we have means nothing. We work so hard and still not satisfied with what we get. It looks like we drink salty water that will never quench our thirst. We want something big but we forget something which is very important. We seek for the recognition of our existance, glory, pride which is like we will live forever but still not feeling happy. It almost same with me who work so hard from morning till night to get money for living and paying my tuition fee. I am completely exhausted when I get home which make me have no time even to chat with my family.

Morrie and his great heart could make us aware that when we get sick, it is not money and power which made him stronger. It was love and respect from his family who made him able to keep smile and warm. He was protected by people who love him.

“Love each other or perish” (Morrie)

In this book, Morrie and Mitch talked about many things. They talked about concepts in life including love, forgiveness, the meaning of life, marriage, aging, etc. They did it every Tuesday. When they were talking about life, it could be understood that life would be meaningful if we could be grateful for what we had. As human we should devote ourselves for loving others and creating some thing that could give us purpose. Morrie always talked to other people and inspired them to live their life to the fullest and love each other. All people will die, but the spirit can keep alive. People will remember what someone has done not who they are. So, someone who can impact society and can be selfless in his/her action will always remain in other people’s heart. As with Morrie, he already died, but as teacher, his influence will never stop. People will always remember him from his lesson and from his wisdom.

“As long as we can love each other, and remember the feeling of love we had, we can die without ever really going away. All the love you created is still there. All the memories are still there. You live on – in the heart of everyone you have touched and nurtured while you were here.” (Morrie)

So, what will you do if today is your last day? Will you still unhappy for what you’ve had?