This was my second time reading Tuesdays with Morrie.  It is a book that everyone should read to remind themselves of what is important in life and as we look to a new year, the timing is perfect to reflect on the lessons from this wise professor.

This non-fiction account documents the visits that were shared between Albom, a busy sports journalist, and his favourite professor.  Despite promising to keep in touch, it had been 16 years since they had seen each other.  While watching late night TV, Albom watched an interview between Ted Koppel and Morrie.  He discovered that the kind professor was dying.  Morrie had been diagnosed with ALS, a dreadful neurologic disease.  The pair began spending Tuesdays together.

Morrie shared his limited time and vast knowledge including life lessons and his own experience losing independence and slowly dying.  He shared his love of life while Mitch recorded their conversations and learned a final lesson from his “coach”.  The two rekindled their close relationship and Mitch watched as Morrie lost his ability to move his hands, feed himself, eat and clean himself.  As he became more dependent, Mitch learned how to help, how to massage his feet, how to provide chest percussions to loosen secretions and how to help him to a comfortable position.  He learned the importance of touch and physical closeness in providing this personal care and attention.

On the 14th Tuesday, Mitch did not record their visit.  Morrie was very weak and tears were shed.  Morrie died several days later, at home, with his loving family.  He was buried on a Tuesday.

It was interesting to learn that the proceeds of this book helped cover Morrie’s medical expenses.  Albom’s website reports that over 15 million copies have been sold!  I own one copy in my personal collection and have a second copy that  I have added to my Franklin Street Little Free Library which is ready for borrowing.