Tuesdays with Morrie

Title : Tuesdays with Morrie
Author : Mitch Albom
Publisher : Anchor Books
Year 2006
Vocabulary
succumb 굴복하다, 복종하다
jeopardize ~를 위험에 빠뜨리다
lament ~을 슬퍼하다, 비탄하다
disillusion ~을 환상에서 깨어나게 하다
gobble 급하게 먹다 scoff 비웃음, 비웃다
comradeship 동료사이 compromise 타협, 양보, 화해
calisthenic 미용체조의 inherent 타고난, 고유의
tender 부드러운, 연한 inconsequential 중요하지 않은
deplete ~을 감소시키다 selfish 이기적인

Brief summary and personal reflection on the story

If we have own teacher in life, we can say our life is succeed. but it is really hard things to do. relation can't be made by force and we miss many important people in life. however, Mitch caught the chance which meet good teacher and mentor. special relation was started in Brandeis University. Mitch was freshman and Morrie was sociology professor. Mitch attended Morrie's class everytime and they met and talked beyond the classroom. Each time they talk, Morrie listened Mitch's talk and he gave some sort of life lesson to Mitch. They weren't family or relative but they did fatherly conversations.
After graduation, Mitch promised that he would keep in touch with Morrie continuously. but he didn't keep in touch in 16 years before Mitch heard "Morrie Schwartz" through TV. that time, Morrie had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrigh's disease. he was diagnosed that he couldn't live more than two years. the disease took him over and over, so he couldn't swim, drive, walk, stand and so on. most people will lost hope in his shoes. because they lose control of their body. but Morrie wanted to live his best. he didn't want to spend time meaninglessly. He decided to make death his final project. Mitch was only one student who attend Morrie's last classes and "Tuesdays with Morrie" is the graduation paper.
Last class took place every tuesdays in Morrie's house. through 14 meetings, they covered diversity thesis which are included in Life's meaning. I am impressed by several things. first, "When you learn how to die, you learn how to live". Morrie often said this sentence. Everyone knows they're going to die. but they don't perceive it. but if we perceive it quickly, we can prepare and more involve in our life while we're living.
Second, "Love each other or perish" by poet Auden and Morrie. Morrie said if we don't have family, we can't have foundation and secure ground. friends are also important, but it is different from family who will not leave, has an eye on you and watch you the whole time. when I was elementary student, teacher asked us 'what is family?". most friends said family is person who comfort and help when we have in trouble. I agree it, too. Morrie said only family gave 'spiritual security' to people. nothing else will give you that.
Third, "How can I be envious of where you are-when I've been there myself?". many people are afraid to grow old. they want to be young and avoid to be old. the fact is that we can't avoid. Morrie chose wise way. Embrace it. he thought he learn more as he grow old and said "It is important to accept who you are and revel in that". age is not a competitive issue.
Fourth, "Forgive yourself. Forgive others." I know that forgiveness is hard.
still, I don't forgive someone. so when I read this part, I was conscience-stricken. I often regret my work, too. because I didn't do things which I should have done. but now, I effort to forgive me. I believe it will help me.
I read "Tuesdays with morrie" by korean when I was twelve. that time, I couldn't understand some parts. now, I got a chance to read it again and more deep impression come to me. Morrie wanted to be A Teacher to the Last. I believed his wish was achieved by his last student, Mitch. I am jealous of Mitch who have nice teacher. I hope that I also meet my teacher and mentor.