My wife and I went to see the Mayfield Dinner Theatre version of this wonderful story when it was in Edmonton. Jamie Farr (from M.A.S.H. fame) played the role of Morrie, and Rejean Cournoyer did a great job with the role of Mitch. By the end of the evening, I would be very surprised if there was a dry eye in the house!
For those not familiar with the story, it is told through the recollections of Mitch Albom, a self-absorbed, career-focused, sports writer who has seemly lost sight of the important things in life as he pursues success in his chosen field.
Perhaps it was to make amends for having not kept a promise to stay in touch, that Mitch reconnects with Morrie Schwartz, his former college professor and one time Mentor. Nearly twenty years have lapsed and Morrie is now slowly losing his battle with ALS - Lou Gehrig’s Disease. With time slipping away, Mitch agrees to come for another visit, and so begins an eventual series of Tuesday meetings. As they meet, a significant transformation takes place, as a wise Mentor shares many of the lessons learned, and thus helps his Protege become a more balanced and wiser human being. Tuesdays with Morrie is a great story with much to say to those who find themselves 'busy' with the many things that call for our attention.
I like the following comments that were found on the Random House Publishing website:
Maybe it was a grandparent, or a teacher, or a colleague. Someone older, patient and wise, who understood you when you were young and searching, helped you see the world as a more profound place, gave you sound advice to help you make your way through it.
For Mitch Albom, that person was Morrie Schwartz, his college professor from nearly twenty years ago. Maybe, like Mitch, you lost track of this mentor as you made your way, and the insights faded, and the world seemed colder. Wouldn't you like to see that person again, ask the bigger questions that still haunt you, receive wisdom for your busy life today the way you once did when you were younger?
Mitch Albom had that second chance. He rediscovered Morrie in the last months of the older man's life. Knowing he was dying, Morrie visited with Mitch in his study every Tuesday, just as they used to back in college. Their rekindled relationship turned into one final "class": lessons in how to live.
Tuesdays with Morrie is a magical chronicle of their time together, through which Mitch shares Morrie's lasting gift with the world. After four years on the New York Times bestseller list, Tuesdays with Morrie is at last available in paperback.
Sourced from: http://www.randomhouse.com/features/morrie/
"Tuesdays with Morrie" - by Mitch Albom provides us with very helpful insight into the richness that can develop within a Mentor and a Protege (Mentee) relationship. In this case, there was a significant gap between the early stages of the relationship and the deeper learning that occurred at the close of their time together. Perhaps this experience reminds us to carefully consider the long-term impact of decisions made today, and that there is much to be gained in cultivating those significant relationships that increase the quality of our lives.
There are many more great examples out there ... please add your comments on this, or on another story, movie or television show that depicts Mentorship. What lessons can be learned? How did the story impact you?
