Tuesday's with Morrie

Ma. Joahna Fuentes
HUMA01 - B4

After watching Tuesdays with Morrie, I felt touched and sad all at the same time. The movie was just so interesting and after finding out that it was based on a true story, I was even more moved by it. To imagine a dying man, pouring his heart out to his favorite student, not only about the simple things but the real deal; love, death, life in itself, was very inspiring. I was touched by all the things Morrie said; his wisdom on life’s hard facts. I also felt the sadness because of Morrie and all the pain he had to go through. Although he accepted his death, there were still the times when he felt the pain and the fright, and I felt sad for him. I actually cried.

I liked the quote, “The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love and to let it come in,” because it says so much about what Morrie has gone through, what Mitch would face with Janine and what we, ourselves should realize. Morrie went through a lot in his life. Living a loveless childhood; having to put up with a father who couldn’t even look him in the eye and say “I love you,” didn’t make him heartless or cold as with any other person. Instead, he learned from it, as any great teacher would.

He told Mitch that a life without love isn’t really like a life at all. I mean, what sort of life doesn’t involve the people you love and cherish? Morrie made it a point to teach Mitch to love and make the best of the time he had in this world and with Janine. Morrie wanted Mitch to feel, to cry, to laugh and to hug. Even Morrie himself held his family and the people he loved most close to his heart, even up until his death. Morrie didn’t want to become like his father, who had died a sad death on the streets. He wanted to be surrounded by his family and loved ones.

Morrie taught Mitch in such a way that Mitch really did learn and be touched by Morrie’s words. At first, Mitch saw his Tuesday visits as mere schedule inserts than actual engagements worth attending. But as time progressed, Mitch made sure to visit Morrie every Tuesday. He sought after Morrie’s guidance and wisdom, especially whenever he felt stressed from work.

Usually, Morrie caught Mitch’s attention by saying something very profound. Instead of lecturing, like in a classroom, Morrie opted for a very casual approach. It was like a conversation between friends, except that one friend was dying. Also, Mitch and Morrie referred to their visits as the making of their final thesis together, as if Mitch was still in college and Morrie was still the professor. They obviously have a very close relationship, with nicknames like “Coach” for Morrie and physical affection between the two like hugging and holding hands.

In some ways, Morrie was a lot like Jesus Christ. I have two reasons. Firstly, both of them loved a great deal. They both cared for those close to them and those who they could help in any way. Morrie was a firm believer in love and accepting the love given to you. Jesus was and is the very epitome of love, symbolizing God’s eternal love for us and also being very generous and kind during his ministry.

Secondly, they were both very great teachers. They taught and people listened. They had presence and commanded respect, but at the same time, making everyone in the room listen at their words. They both touched many people with their wisdom and humble teachings; Jesus, with his multitudes and Morrie, with his many devoted students and especially Mitch.