The fourth Tuesday we talk about death

In Detroit, the newspaper strikes continue, and Mitch remains out of

work. On his fourth Tuesday visit with Morrie, they talked about death.
Morrie notes that people recognize they are going to die but do not believe
it. He also uncovers that it is just once an individual knows how to bite the
dust that they then would realize how to live. Mitch asks him how one can
be prepared to die. Morrie replies with a Buddhist philosophy that every
day, one must ask the bird on their shoulders if that day is the day they will
die. The bird itself is indicative of Morrie's mindfulness that his death is
fast approaching.
Morrie says that understanding the imminence of death is realizing
what is necessary because you view your life in a completely different
light. Morrie also tells Mitch that if he accepts death, Mitch may not remain
as ambitious as he is now, as Mitch will see that he must spend time upon
what is meaningful to him and not working and chasing money.

UNFAMILIAR WORDS

Indecipherable - not able to be read or understood.

The kids hand-writing was indecipherable,

Solidarity – a unity or agreement of feeling or action, especially among individuals with a common interest;
mutual support within a group.

Factory workers voiced solidarity with the striking students.

Agnostic - a person who claims neither faith nor disbelief in God.

Due to his life experiences, he claims to be agnostic.

Mutt – is a dog that doesn't belong to any particular breed,

He does not go with the norms and considered a mutt.

Transcend - be or go beyond the range or limits of something abstract.

He doubts that he will ever transcend Shakespeare.

 THE FIFTH TUESDAY WE TALK ABOUT FAMILY
In this chapter, in addition to his teachings on rejecting cultural
norms and development, Morrie's most important lesson is that love is
essential for fulfillment and happiness. Love is the most powerful thing one
can offer, especially a family's love. He then quotes Auden, his favorite
poet, who said, "Love or perish." Mitch writes this down. There is a
distinction that Morrie makes between family and friends. Flesh and blood,
he says, are there for you always, as you are intrinsically tied to them. By
the end of the day, it is family that makes a house a home. Friends, he
claims, are not as stable, not as secure.
Morrie asks Mitch regarding his own family, who he had met at his
college graduation. Mitch has an older sister and a younger brother. At the
thought of his younger brother, Mitch is quiet. He reveals in the book that
his brother, who had relocated to Europe soon after his graduation from
high school, has separated himself from the family, as he does not want any
help from them in his battle with pancreatic cancer. Mitch could not help
but feel a sense of sadness when he realizes the far distance he and his
brother have.

UNFAMILIAR WORDS

Lavaliere - small wired microphones.

The broadcasters used a lavaliere to deliver their news.

Perish - suffer death, typically in a violent, sudden, or untimely way.

A great part of his army perished of hunger and disease.

Instamatic - snapshot camera.

The photographer used an instamatic to capture photos.

Gaunt -

Parkas -