My Weekend with Morrie

Tuesdays with Morrie was assigned by theology teacher Mr. Ingram to each of his Death and Dying classes at the beginning of the school year. Usually, i dread reading books i am forced to read for school, but Tuesdays with Morrie has always sounded like a decent read to me. In class, we had the opportunity to watch one of the Nightline episodes Morrie had been featured on. This gave us readers the chance to relate a face to the main character and see exactly who Morrie is. It was even more interesting while reading the novel, coming across part of the book that were also segments in the Nightline episode. Being completely honest, i waited until the last possible moment to read this book. I kept procrastinating and pushing it off because i thought it was just another assignment. To my surprise, when i started reading Tuesdays with Morrie, i really couldn't put it down. I am actually glad that i read the entire book at once, because i was really able to get a full glimpse into the life of Morrie. He was a witty, charismatic, and spiritual man. These characteristics did not diminish when he was diagnosed with ALS, they actually grew much stronger. I am truly able to say that the life lessons found throughout this novel have changed my life for the better. The different perspectives i now have due to Morrie's outlooks on both life and death are amazing. The crying, laughing, and smiling caused by this novel was addicting, i didn't want it to end. I wanted to hear a much greater number of Morrie's viewpoints, i didn't want him to lose his ability to talk. I felt i knew him on a personal level through the great discussions Morrie and his former (and favorite) student Mitch had while his disease ran its final course. These two men depended on each other, and i believe every person who has read this book was depending on them as well. I looked forward to each chapter, each Tuesday they met. A different topic of our overall lives was discussed each Tuesday, and this continued for fourteen consecutive weeks. This book has taught me the importance of overall forgiveness, and in contrast, the unimportance of many of the things we focus our lives on every day. Although he was terrified, Morrie did not allow this disease to control his life. Instead, he wanted this misfortune to better his life. Morrie did not put concentration into material things, the newspaper, or the current and horrifying events of the physical world. Instead, he decided to focus on his inner self. He opened his heart up to the love of others. In turn, he allowed himself to love those around him with his entire heart. All of these changes Morrie made for himself also helped me change, just by reading it. The time i spent reading this book was so worth it, and my weekend with Morrie has forever altered my view on so many aspects of life. 

Gus' Sorrowful Statement

While reading The Fault in Our Stars written by John Green, it is evident that the two main characters, Augustus and Hazel, have both experienced countless events of pain throughout their lives. Aside from plain physical pain, these two teenagers have gone through trials of hurting and being hurt by those around them, along with those who care for them, not to mention those who know them on a much deeper level than just the cancer that has seemed to consume them. One quote that really took me by the heart was when Augustus and Hazel Grace were discussing the pure issue of pain. “That's the thing about pain," Augustus said, and then glanced back at me. "It demands to be felt". This statement stuck with me because it is completely relevant to everyone, not just those who are dealing with sickness. This quote shows that pain is practically insidious and commands to not be ignored. No matter how hard these two adolescents attempt to push their pain away, it will return again and again until it is finally acknowledged. This is such a hard concept for these two to accept because they have already hurt others just by being burdened by their diseases. Aside from all of the treatments they must endure, Augustus and Hazel have to also think about how they will eventually hurt one another. No matter how long they push away the idea of dying and the concept of breaking each others hearts, these two optimistic teenagers know they have to deal with the pain they have previously experienced, the struggles they are going through, and the inevitable pain they will eventually encounter. Augustus seems to be the more realistic one throughout the novel, but he also happens to be the most optimistic character in the book. He rarely accepts Hazel's (at times) defeated attitude and never lets her give up hope. Hope for a better future, hope for better times, and hope for the long term continuation of their relationship. He speaks of their future as indefinite while also suggesting the possibility of their death at any moment. Gus' explanation that pain demands to be felt shows that there is no way for them to sidestep the literal pain and emotional grief they are forced to suffer with. This entire book is so captivating because of the way John Green describes the pain felt by the two characters in a way that we can relate to. Just as us healthy humans are unable to force out the thought of pain while it is tugging on our anatomical being, these two cancer stricken teenagers must deal with this battle on a daily basis.