Second chances.  How many of us are given second chances that we do not waste?  How many of us know how to reconnect after a long period of time?

Mitch Albom had that opportunity to rekindle his friendship with his favorite college professor, Morrie Schwartz, whom he hadn't communicated with for more than sixteen years.  Their final course together was just for the two of them, away from the aura of the lecture hall, tucked in the book-lined comfort of Morrie's home study.  They met on Tuesdays.

Morrie always had a passion for dancing.  He didn't need a partner. He grooved to his own rhythm with the fervor of a child, and never mind the grace.  This from a well-respected man of the academe, with a lengthy career at Brandeis University and several well-written books to his credit.  The day he couldn't dance anymore, he knew something was wrong.  Exhaustive tests diagnosed ALS-amyotrophic lateral schlerosis, a neurological disease with no known cure.  Although this debilitating disease withered his body, it could not corrode his spirit.  He considered himself lucky to have the opportunity to bid his family and friends farewell and even to plan his own funeral.  His three appearances on "Nightline" with Ted Koppel brought attention to his plight, to his disease, and to the thin line he chose to tread for his spirit to triumph over.  His candor and inner strength shone through and he received fan mail from all over the world.

I am glad that I met Morrie through Mitch's chronicle of his poignant time with him.  I felt right at home in his study, examining life and listening to his wisdom culled from his experiences.  It is inspiring in its simplicity.  This is a great tribute to the dignity of life in its search for meaning and the depth of the human spirit in its quest for peace.  Morrie has left us guideposts to help us learn more about ourselves.

Jocelyn Evangelista recently moved to Mason City from California.  She saw the "Write a Review" display on her first trip to the library and decided to apply.  We thank her for her review.  If you would like to "Write a Review", contact the Mason City Public Library at 421-3668, or email us at librarian@mcpl.org.