Tuesdays with Morrie, by Mitch Albom is a book with 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 thing that can come out of having it is the chance to say goodbye one last time. Morrie had 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 say far well to his professor and most of all, his friend. While doing this, Morrie and Mitch both agree to do a final thesis on Morrie's death that conclude in this published book. They meet on Tuesdays and discuss several different topics about life. As did Pema Chodron in the book, When Things Fall Apart. Mitch records these sessions in hopes of being able to remember Morrie after his 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. He compared it to the experiences a baby has. Morrie demonstrates tremendous caring in this book and expresses his never-ending wisdom in teaching people life lessons. 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 immediate family and dies alone in his bed, almost like he had planned it that way.