Tuesday's with Morrie: A Tribute to the Professor I never met

 At the onset of the pandemic, I came across "Tuesday's with Morrie" by Mitch Albom. Little did I know that this book was going to teach me how to live life. Ever since then, I have always wanted to write a tribute to Professor Morrie Shwartz. Hence, here I am, not with a book review, rather an introspection on life. 

Mitch Albom is now a renowned author whose stirring stories melt your heart. But his journey into the literary career was founded by his old and frail Sociology Professor from Brandeis University, Morrie Shwartz. Back in 1995, Mitch was a successful sports columnist for the Detroit Free Press. On watching his professor on national television, discussing his terminal illness, ALS ( Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), he decided to pay him a visit. What followed was a meeting every Tuesday, some valuable lessons and a beautiful unbreakable bond of a student and his guide. 

On reading and re-reading this pocketbook, I have come up with the 5 most valuable lessons that have to be shared, internalised and pondered.

Lesson 1: Love

Morrie was losing control over his motor neurons due to ALS. It was excruciatingly painful to feel his body degenerate day by day. He was completely dependent on caregivers. Bound to a wheelchair and in need of help to even clean his faeces, would normally lead a person into depression and make him feel as if he were a victim of circumstances. But Morrie was a free spirit who chose to embrace suffering and pain with a smile and cheeky humour. 

Since his mother had passed away at a very young age, he had never experienced maternal love. But due to ALS, he felt as if he had become a baby, receiving love, care and warmth from all. He had started understanding himself and had become more sensitive and empathetic to all the pain and suffering around the world. He believed that only love heals all wounds. 

Lesson 2: There is always a silver lining

Although his body was withering away, Morrie didn't indulge in self-pity. He was grateful for the time he was granted, unlike many others. He had time to do things he always wanted, such as reading, reflecting and giving 'Life's greatest lesson' to Mitch. Death didn't deter his spirit. Instead, Morrie wanted to celebrate the death and spend time with all his loved ones.

Lesson 3: Regrets

Have you ever wondered if today was your last day to live, what would you do?

A question that baffles many but was handled with proficiency by Morrie. The lovable professor believed in living a fulfilled life, beyond family, work, materialistic gains and mortgages. He was always in touch with his inner self and urged everyone else to do so as well.

Lesson 4: Death

Although everyone knows they are going to die, nobody believes in it until death knocks at their door. Morrie felt if everyone accepts the fact that they are going to die, they would live better. There is a lot of truth in this saying. We are living, but are we truly alive?

Lesson 5: Detachment

Morrie was of the opinion that one should always experience pain. Be it grief of losing a loved one or a heartbreak, going through each and every emotion helps us to let go!

Once you have undergone that experience, you can identify that emotion and detach from it. It is easier said than done. But you should never let emotion control you, be it fear or loneliness. Morrie had accepted death and welcomed it, much like the fall of the autumn leaves. 

Morrie's death shattered many, but he lives on through Mitch Albom's words. His lessons have inspired many and changed their lives. This book is packed with pearls of wisdom that connects one's soul to the Universe. A truly immortal life coach of our time - Professor Morrie!