General & Miscellaneous Biography, Emotional Healing, Psychology - Theory, History & Research, Medical Figures, Patient Narratives

Morrie : In His Own Words

Name: Morrie : In His Own Words
Author: Morris S. Schwartz
ISBN: 9780753196687

by Morris S. Schwartz

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Overview

Originally published under the title Letting Go, three years ago, this is Morrie Schwartz's enlightened and compassionate philosophy of living, written as he was battling the effects of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Sadly, Morrie died before the book was published. A year later, though, a former student of Morrie's, Mitch Albom, wrote Tuesdays with Morrie, chronicling Morrie's impact on his life. This book is, as the title says, Morrie in his own words, his invaluable legacy to us all.

Synopsis

"Holds wisdom not only for those struggling with a terminal or debilitating condition but also for family and friends who must come to grips with letting a loved one go." - BOOKLIST "A truly wonderful learning experience about how people should treat and live their life" AMAZON.COM customer The subject of three Ted Koppel interviews on Nightline, Morrie Schwartz became an inspiration to millions of viewers because of his willingness to talk openly about the intimate aspects of facing an imminent death. In 1994, at the age of 77, Morrie learned he had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease: incurable, progressively disabling, eventually fatal. People with degenerative or terminal illnesses often withdraw, becoming too fearful or depressed to enjoy interacting with others. Morrie, however, embraced his illness, choosing to live as fully as possible in the time he had left. In this very personal memoir, he mixes his uplifting lessons with practical advice for those who have chronic or terminal diseases.

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Editorials

Jennifer Henderson

Unlike many who discover they have an incurable illness and then withdraw from society, Morrie Schwartz remained open to new experiences, including interviews on "Nightline", "Talk of the Nation", and several other television and radio shows. In 1994 this former Brandeis University sociology professor was 75 years old when diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Wanting to learn more about life and death, he objectively watched himself die, at first taking notes and then tape-recording his thoughts, feelings, and memories as his health declined. Personal aphorisms--heartfelt, succinct observations--form this book's core. We read about how he coped with decreasing physical abilities, managed his emotions, related to others, and stressed the need to ask for help. After each aphorism, he reflected on what the words meant and shared an anecdote or a bit of advice. With candor he wrote, "After you have wept and grieved for your physical losses, cherish the functions and the life you have left." Schwartz died in November 1995. "Letting Go" holds wisdom not only for those struggling with a terminal or debilitating condition but also for families and friends who must come to grips with letting a loved one go.