Tuesday’s with Morrie: An Old Man, A Young Man, and Life’s Greatest Lesson

Ted visits for a third Nightline interview. He’s very solicitous of Morrie, asking whether he feels up to another session. He considers Morrie a friend and gives him a kiss. To Albom, Morrie grins and says, “I’m getting to him” (178). They conduct the interview in the cramped space of Morrie’s study.

Ted asks if Morrie is more afraid now that death is near. Morrie says he’s less afraid. He’s letting go of the world, reading the news less but listening more to music and watching the leaves turn. Asked for any final words to his listeners, Morrie tells them to be compassionate. He says the disease has gotten his body but not his spirit. Ted says, “You done good” (181). Morrie admits that he’s bargaining with God, hoping to become one of His angels. 

Albom puts lotion on Morrie’s feet and massages them. This helps relieve Morrie’s pain, makes him happy because of the human touch, and gives Albom a sense of connection to his teacher.

Albom asks about forgiveness. Morrie tells of an old friend with whom he was close for years. The friend moved away, and when Charlotte needed an operation, the friend never called to ask after her.