Everyone loves, whether that be for material things, idols, or people. Everyone loves. You choose who to love and who not to love. Just like you choose your family. “A crazy group of people that have decided to live together and love one another,” is Victoria’s philosophy about love. At 86 Mrs. Hegstead gave me the advice to, “teach your kids the value of life, not material things; when you get together, enjoy each other.” Both of these statements ring with truth in their own way. When you love someone, you teach them what you know. Morrie taught Mitch lessons that he cherished for the rest of his life. Mitch, and all of us who read this book, learned to love more deeply and appreciate those in our lives. “This is part of what a family is about, not just love. It's knowing that your family will be there watching out for you. Nothing else will give you that. Not money. Not fame. Not work.” …show more content…
It’s the ticking clock behind the scenes that sounds on birthdays, reminding you that you aren’t immortal. It’s why we all look back at ages past and wished we had done more, because you can’t take back time. When we’re younger it’s simpler, “because you feel no responsibility and feel free with endless possibilities…you’re still little and parents take care of everything.” {Personal Interview} My sister sums it up entirely. Everyone wants to grow up, but no one wants the responsibility it entails. Death makes all of us flinch. “The truth is, once you learn how to die, you learn how to live.” {24} Morrie’s words really make me contemplate. Death is imminent and life is short, but at the same time you can’t just stop going about life. This doesn’t mean I’m going to skip college to travel Europe. There is a balance between knowing you’re going to die and living. That is the one thing, if nothing else, to take away from Morrie. Life goes on, no matter how cheesy and overused that phrase is. The world keeps spinning and, “death ends a life, not a relationship.” {50} The words of those around us impact us like Morrie and my interviewees outlooks on life, love, people, and death. From new knowledge and conversations, you earn new mindsets. Whether that be from a 22-year-old or an 86-year-old, each have philosophies to bring to the table. As these interviews were conducted and the book read, one quote from my favorite poet sums up my findings. “Tell