The Fourth Tuesday: We Talk About Death
In this chapter Morrie discusses people’s perspective on death. Morrie begins the discussion on death by saying “Everyone knows they’re going to die, but they don’t believe it.” Just before, he had scribbled notes on a piece of paper. It was labor day, and while controversies were happening all around Albom, Morrie went one day at a time. Albom also notices an oxygen machine by Morrie, which Albom despised due indicating to his dependence to it. Morrie continues by saying that if people were aware of their death, they would do things differently. He says that a better method is to prepare for death in order to better enjoy your life. He then borrows from Buddhism, something he does somewhat often, and asks “Is today the day I die?” to himself. Morrie then thinks back how he ignored death at the age of sixty, and then says how people today aren’t experiencing the world fully, instead seeming half-asleep, and that when faced with death you only focus on the essentials. He comments how Albom should focus more on spiritual development, and that people are too materialistic, taking bonds between others for granted. He relates this to how he has a newfound appreciation for how he sees life through the window before saying “Is it today, little bird? Is it today?”. There is then a part in which one Sunday, his sons Rob and Jon, help Morrie to read letters and send responses to people who saw his appearance in “Nightline”, seeing him as a inspiration. They continue reading letter after letter, ultimately bonding as a family. He then remembers to when they talk about Lou Gehrigs. Morrie, practically owned by the disease at this point, forgets his famous speech, forcing Albom to recite it while he nods his head slowly.