books...

The Curriculum
The last class of my old professor's life took place
once a week in his house, by a window in the study where he could watch a small
hibiscus plant shed its pink leaves. The class met on Tuesdays. It began after
breakfast. The subject was The Meaning of Life. It was taught from experience.
No grades were given, but there were oral exams each week. You were expected
to respond to questions, and you were expected to pose questions of your own.
You were also required to perform physical tasks now and then, such as lifting
the professor's head to a comfortable spot on the pillow or placing his glasses
on the bridge of his nose. Kissing him good-bye earned you extra credit.
No
books were required, yet many topics were covered, including love, work,
community, family, aging, forgiveness, and, finally, death. The last lecture was
brief, only a few words.
A funeral was held in lieu of graduation.
Although no final exam was given, you were expected to produce one long
paper on what was learned. That paper is presented here.
The last class of
my old professor's life had only one student.
I was the student.

My good friend, Cindy, loaned this book to me as I was preparing to leave for my time in Wisconsin. I am very grateful that she did!

It is a wonderful and moving book. The excerpt from above says a lot. I really don't have many more words to add.

I have finished all but the final part of the book where the author added on a piece for the 10th anniversary of the book. This book has moved me in so many ways. It has taught me to stop and appreciate the little things a bit more. The way "Morrie" is dying and dealing with death is remarkable. I see my step-dad doing a lot of the same. Wayne accepts what is happening. He doesn't have to like it and neither do we, but he is real about it.

I've told my mom that I recommend the book for her to read also. I think she will read it...I hope she does.

Just remember...cherish every minute you have with those around you. Look past the negative and embrace the good. You only have one life to live....